Messi Makes History
Messi breaks the World Cup scoring record and leads Argentina onward.
June 22, 2026 · Updated Jun 22, 5:01pm ET
CNNLionel Messi makes history as the World Cup’s all-time top scorer
NPRMagnificent Messi makes history, breaks all-time World Cup scoring record
The Daily WireWATCH: Messi Sets All-Time Record For World Cup Goals
Al JazeeraMessi grabs brace to make World Cup history and send Argentina into last 16
Associated PressLionel Messi becomes top scorer in World Cup history with two more goals for Argentina
The GuardianArgentinian national treasure Lionel Messi stands alone at goalscoring pinnacle | Pablo Iglesias Maurer
USA TODAYLionel Messi goal breaks all-time World Cup scoring record, passing Marta. See the shot
NBC NewsFrom The Sports Desk: What will Messi, Mbappé and Haaland do for an encore?
36%
Left · 4
55%
Center · 6
9%
Right · 1
Pano rates the coverage Balanced.
What happened
Lionel Messi broke the World Cup scoring record and then added another goal as Argentina beat Austria 2-0 in Arlington, Texas, to advance from the group stage. The 38-year-old captain scored in the first half to pass Germany’s Miroslav Klose and reach 17 career World Cup goals, then moved to 18 with a second strike as the defending champions secured their place in the knockout rounds. The milestone came in Messi’s sixth World Cup and reinforced his status as Argentina’s driving force, with Emiliano Martínez and the defense helping withstand Austrian pressure before the attack settled the match. Argentina’s win kept its title defense on course and made Messi both the tournament’s all-time leading scorer and one of the standout players of the 2026 edition.