Lionel Messi becomes World Cup record scorer

Lionel Messi has become the leading goalscorer in World Cup history after scoring his 17th and 18th goal at the tournament.

Messi matched Miroslav Klose’s record with his hat-trick against Algeria, but set the record with an impressive performance in the Argentina’s second group game against Austria.

The Inter Miami forward actually had the perfect opportunity to claim the record for his own earlier in the game after Argentina were handed an early penalty following a VAR review.

However, he fired his spot-kick wide.

That miss sparked something in the Argentina captain as he latched onto a low cross, which was dummied by Rodrigo de Paul, and hammering the ball past Alexander Schlager.

Lionel Messi celebrates scoring for Argentina at the FIFA World Cup 2026. (Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images)

Messi then doubled his evening’s work with his 18th goal at World Cups as Argentina took control of Group J.

The former Barcelona star at first picked out Julian Alvarez but the ball eventually found its way to Messi, who scored at the second attempt.

Argentina have now progress into the round of 32, and the team will be keen to add another World Cup trophy to their cabinet.