Encara Messi: Argentine all-time great creates history, overtakes Miroslav Klose as leading goal scorer in FIFA World Cup
Texas, June 22
Argentina captain Lionel Messi added another milestone to his legendary career by becoming the highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history. Messi surpassed Germany legend Miroslav Klose's long-standing record after scoring against Austria in Argentina's second match of the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup on Monday, June 22.
With the goal in the Austria match, Messi took his World Cup tally to 17 goals, setting a new record in the tournament. The maestro has won a record 8 Ballon d'or and 4 FIFA Best Men's Player of the Year award. Along with it, the left-footed genius has won the UEFA Best Player three times.
Coming to his goal, Messi gave Argentina the lead in the 38th minute. Thiago Almada found Medina on the left, and the full-back cut the ball back to Messi on the edge of the box. The Argentine captain struck a low effort into the bottom-left corner past Alexander Schlager to make it 1-0.
The 38-year-old has now scored in six consecutive World Cup matches and has equalled the record of six straight World Cup games with a goal, a mark jointly held by France's Just Fontaine and Brazil's Jairzinho.
The Argentine captain arrived in the match after a record-breaking performance in Argentina's 3-0 victory over Algeria in the team's campaign opener, a game that further cemented his status as one of football's greatest players.
Messi scored the first World Cup hat-trick of his career while making his 200th senior appearance for his country, helping the defending champions decidedly open their campaign.
Messi's display against Algeria shattered several other milestones. At 38 years and 357 days old, he became the oldest player ever to score a World Cup hat-trick, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo's previous record set at the 2018 tournament.
The Argentina captain also holds records for most World Cup appearances (now 28) and most Man of the Match awards (12). Messi also holds the record for becoming the first player in football history to appear in six consecutive World Cups. His record was later matched by Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo when Portugal played against DR Congo.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, I respect the man, but 38 years old and still going strong? It makes you wonder if the World Cup has become the 'Messi show' at the expense of other great players deserving of recognition. Still, incredible consistency.
As an Indian who grew up watching Maradona highlights on grainy VHS tapes, seeing Messi break all these records feels surreal. He is to football what Tendulkar is to us—a god who walks among mortals. Time to rename the GOAT debate forever. 🐐
While the record is historic, let's not forget the contribution of his teammates. Thiago Almada's assist was brilliant, and the team chemistry matters as much as individual heroics. India's football future also looks bright if our players develop such synergy. 🇮🇳
As a die-hard Ronaldo fan, I have to tip my hat to Messi. The rivalry has been legendary, but this record is well-deserved. Argentina's defending champions status and Messi's longevity prove why football is truly the beautiful game. A salute to the little genius! 👏
Six consecutive World Cups with a goal? That's not just consistency, that's insanity! Messi making a hat-trick at 38 years old is like our Kiran George winning Olympic gold in badminton—seems impossible until you see it happen. Truly the golden age of football.
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