Lionel Messi, the Argentine football icon, has added yet another historic achievement to his glittering career: he is now the all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup history. On 22 June 2026, Messi scored twice in Argentina's 2-0 win over Austria in Dallas, taking his World Cup tally to 17 goals and surpassing the previous record of 16 held by Germany's Miroslav Klose. The brace also ensured Argentina, the defending champions, became the first team to qualify for the last 32 of the 2026 World Cup.
The record had stood since Klose set it in 2014. Messi, who had already scored 13 World Cup goals before the 2026 tournament, began his pursuit in the opening group game, adding a goal against [opponent not named in sources], and then his double against Austria. In the same match, he also missed a first-half penalty, which would have extended his tally further. His 17 goals have come across five World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014, 2022, and 2026), and he has now scored in six consecutive World Cup matches.
“Lionel Messi’s record as all-time World Cup top scorer, explained.”
Messi's rise to the top of the scoring chart is remarkable not just for its longevity but for the quality of the goals. From his first World Cup goal in 2006 against Serbia and Montenegro to his latest against Austria, he has consistently delivered on the biggest stage. The record was previously held by Klose, who played in four World Cups and scored 16 goals for Germany. Other legendary scorers include Brazil's Ronaldo (15 goals) and Germany's Gerd Müller (14 goals). Messi's record is particularly special because he is primarily a playmaker, not an out-and-out striker.
For UK readers, Messi's achievement is a reminder of the enduring brilliance of a player who has spent the majority of his career captivating audiences worldwide, including at clubs like Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, and now at Inter Miami. While UK viewers may be more familiar with the exploits of English stars in the Premier League, Messi's World Cup record cements his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time. It also adds intrigue to Argentina's title defence as they aim to become the first team to retain the World Cup since Brazil in 1962. Messi's teammate Julian Alvarez summed up the feeling: 'He continues to demonstrate, even at his age, that he has the talent and all his magic.'
Q: How many World Cup goals has Lionel Messi scored? Messi has scored 17 goals in World Cup matches, making him the all-time leading scorer. He achieved this with a brace against Austria in the 2026 tournament, surpassing Miroslav Klose's previous record of 16.
Q: Who did Lionel Messi surpass to become the World Cup's all-time top scorer? He surpassed German striker Miroslav Klose, who scored 16 goals across four World Cups between 2002 and 2014. Messi now leads ahead of Klose, Brazil's Ronaldo (15), and Germany's Gerd Müller (14).
Q: What is next for Lionel Messi and Argentina in the 2026 World Cup? Argentina have qualified for the last 32 as group winners of Group J with six points from two matches. They will play their next round match in Miami, which is Messi's adopted home with Inter Miami. Messi admitted he is 'running on fumes' but is enjoying the moment as Argentina seek to defend their title.
What happens next? Argentina will face an opponent from another group in the last 32, likely in a match in Miami. Messi is also in contention for the Golden Boot, leading the scoring charts with five goals after two games. The tournament continues with the knockout stages, and Argentina's next match will be a test of their depth and resilience as they aim to become back-to-back world champions.