Lionel Messi has become the highest goalscorer in World Cup history after finding the net against Austria.
After surprisingly placing a penalty wide in the eighth minute, Messi showed all of his class as he slotted home a superb first-time finish 30 minutes later to give Argentina a 1-0 lead and add yet another record to his illustrious CV.
Prior to the 2026 World Cup, the Argentine had found the net on 13 occasions at the major tournament, but a remarkable hat-trick against Algeria on Matchweek One saw him draw level with prolific German centre forward Miroslav Klose -- who scored 16 goals across four tournaments.
Kylian Mbappe, who currently sits on 14 goals, will look to surpass Messi, having already found the net on two occasions against Senegal in France's World Cup opener.
Messi would always have been viewed by football fans as an all-time great irrespective of if he led Argentina to World Cup glory, but the nation's success in 2022 undoubtedly strengthens his case as the GOAT.
Recording two, one, five and three goal contributions across the 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018 World Cups, Messi had rarely amazed in the tournament prior to 2022; at least to the level that we knew he was capable of.
Entering the tournament as a 35-year-old, few doubted Messi's capabilities to deliver, but few expected him to have quite the influence that he had.
Scoring seven tournament goals -- including a brace in the final -- and registering three assists, Messi guided Argentina to a seismic third World Cup honour in style.
There was doubts as to whether the 38-year-old Argentine would participate at the 2026 World Cup given he is playing in a league that many deem less competitive, but he has so far proven that unparalleled ability never fades, irrespective of age and the country that you play in.
Lionel Messi record at the World Cup
Goals | Assists | |
2006 | 1 | 1 |
2010 | 0 | 1 |
2014 | 4 | 1 |
2018 | 1 | 2 |
2022 | 7 | 3 |
2026 | 4 | 0 |
