WATCH: Lionel Messi becomes World Cup’s all-time leading scorer

During the first half of Monday’s group stage matchup between Argentina and Austria, Lionel Messi made his 17th goal of his World Cup career, becoming the all-time leading scorer in men’s World Cup history.

The 38-year-old found the net on the run off an assist from Facundo Medina. As Messi made it a 1-0 game with a left-foot shot, fans around the world rejoiced.

Earlier in the match, he had a chance to break the record on a penalty kick after a foul was called on Lautaro Martinez. Gasps filled AT&T Stadium when his shot missed wide right.

Luckily, it only took around 30 more minutes for Messi to make it official.

His impressive hat trick against Algeria last week tied him up with Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 goals and set him up for a memorable outing on Monday.

He scored his first World Cup goal at the age of 18 back in 2006 and he’s been the engine of Argentina’s offense ever since. Last week’s opener against Algeria also made him the first man ever to appear in six different World Cups.

Monday’s first-half goal was historic, but the record may already be in danger. 27-year-old Kylian Mbappé already has 14 career World Cup goals and will look to increase that mark when France takes on Iraq later on Monday evening.

For now, no one has found the net on the World Cup stage as many times as Messi has.

James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on @TheJames_Parker

About the Author Published Jun 22, 2026

JAMES PARKER

James Parker is a sports reporter and writer for Ball Exclusives. With a bachelor's degree earned at the age of 19, he’s spent years working as a sports journalist, including an award-winning stint at The Appalachian. He has never used AI for his work in any way, shape or form.