Lionel Messi rewrote football history on June 22, 2026, scoring twice in Argentina’s 2-0 FIFA World Cup victory over Austria in Dallas to become the all-time leading World Cup goalscorer with 18 goals. The record ended Miroslav Klose’s reign at 16 goals and added another milestone to Messi’s remarkable career, which already includes the 2022 FIFA World Cup, eight Ballon d’Or awards, and numerous scoring records.
Lionel Messi at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lionel Andrés Messi |
| Born | June 24, 1987 |
| Birthplace | Rosario, Argentina |
| Position | Forward |
| National Team Debut | 2005 |
| First FIFA World Cup | 2006 |
| World Cup Titles | 1 (2022) |
| Ballon d’Or Awards | 8 |
| World Cup Goals | 18 (Record) |
Who Is Lionel Messi?
Lionel Messi is Argentina’s captain and one of football’s most accomplished players. He spent nearly two decades at FC Barcelona, winning domestic and European titles before continuing his career with Paris Saint-Germain and later Inter Miami.
Beyond club football, Messi transformed Argentina’s fortunes by winning the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and the 2024 Copa América, while becoming his country’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player.
How His Football Journey Began
Messi started playing at Grandoli in Rosario under his father before joining Newell’s Old Boys.
At age 11, doctors diagnosed him with a growth hormone deficiency. The treatment cost more than his family could afford, but Barcelona recognized his talent in 2000, agreed to cover his medical expenses, and brought him to the famous La Masia academy. That decision shaped one of football’s greatest careers.
Career Timeline
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1987 | Born in Rosario, Argentina |
| 2000 | Joined Barcelona’s La Masia |
| 2004 | Barcelona first-team debut |
| 2005 | Argentina senior debut |
| 2021 | Won Copa América |
| 2022 | Won FIFA World Cup |
| 2024 | Won Copa América again |
| 2026 | Became FIFA World Cup’s all-time leading goalscorer |
How Messi Broke Klose’s World Cup Record
Messi entered Argentina’s Group J match against Austria tied with Miroslav Klose’s 16-goal World Cup record after scoring a hat-trick against Algeria earlier in the tournament. Despite missing an early penalty, he responded by scoring twice in Dallas, lifting his World Cup tally to 18 goals and securing Argentina’s place in the knockout stage.
The achievement was historic for another reason. Messi also moved past Brazilian legend Marta’s record of 17 goals across men’s and women’s World Cups, becoming the outright highest scorer in FIFA World Cup history.
Messi’s World Cup Journey
| Tournament | Highlight |
|---|---|
| 2006 | Youngest Argentina scorer at the tournament |
| 2010 | Quarter-finals |
| 2014 | Runner-up and Golden Ball |
| 2018 | Round of 16 |
| 2022 | World Champion and Golden Ball |
| 2026 | All-time World Cup leading scorer |
Messi has now appeared in six FIFA World Cups, another record that reflects his longevity at the highest level.
FIFA World Cup All-Time Leading Goalscorers
| Rank | Player | Country | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lionel Messi | Argentina | 18 |
| 2 | Miroslav Klose | Germany | 16 |
| 2 | Kylian Mbappé | France | 16 |
| 4 | Ronaldo Nazário | Brazil | 15 |
| 5 | Gerd Müller | Germany | 14 |
Messi’s record could still face competition because France’s Kylian Mbappé also reached 16 World Cup goals during the 2026 tournament, making the race one of the biggest storylines of modern international football.
Lionel Messi’s World Cup Statistics
Key Numbers
- 18 World Cup goals (all-time record)
- 6 FIFA World Cup appearances
- 1 FIFA World Cup title (2022)
- 2 FIFA Golden Ball awards
- 5 goals in the 2026 tournament after the Austria match
- 201 Argentina appearances and 122 international goals at the time of the record
Why This Record Is Historic
Klose scored 16 goals across four World Cups between 2002 and 2014, a mark many believed would stand for decades. Messi surpassed it nearly 12 years later, doing so at 38 years old while leading Argentina’s title defence.
Unlike traditional strikers, Messi built his legacy through goals, assists, playmaking, dribbling, and leadership. His ability to remain decisive across six World Cups highlights exceptional consistency, fitness, and football intelligence.
Key Takeaways
- Messi overcame childhood medical challenges to become one of football’s greatest players.
- Barcelona’s decision to sign him in 2000 changed football history.
- Argentina’s victories in 2021, 2022, and 2024 cemented his international legacy.
- His brace against Austria in Dallas on June 22, 2026, lifted his World Cup tally to 18 goals, surpassing Miroslav Klose’s previous record of 16.
- The achievement strengthens Messi’s claim as one of the greatest footballers in history and sets a new benchmark for future generations.