Messi Breaks World Cup Goal Record with 18th Strike Against Austria Lionel Messi extended his legacy as the all-time top scorer in World Cup history with his 18th goal for Argentina during the match against Austria on June 22, 2026. The milestone came in the 38th minute as Messi converted a left-footed shot from a pass by Facundo Medina, surpassing the previous record held by Germany’s Miroslav Klose, who had scored 16 goals in World Cup tournaments. Messi’s achievement was preceded by a missed penalty in the ninth minute, where he sent the ball wide to the right, but he rebounded with a second-half goal to cement his place in history. The 39-year-old Argentine, who had already scored 13 goals in prior World Cup editions, reached this milestone after a standout performance in the opening match against Algeria, where he netted a hat-trick to equal Klose’s record of 16 goals. This latest goal marked his 18th in World Cup history, a feat that underscores his longevity and consistency on the global stage. Messi’s journey in the tournament began in 2006, when he scored his first official goal against Serbia and Montenegro, and he has since become a symbol of Argentina’s footballing excellence. Throughout his career, Messi has not only dominated the World Cup but also set numerous other records. He holds the title of most Ballon d’Or winners (eight), most goals in a single calendar year (91 in 2012), most goals for a single club (672 with Barcelona), and most goals in La Liga history (474). His World Cup record is further highlighted by his role in leading Argentina to victory in the 2022 tournament in Qatar, where he scored seven goals, including two in the final against France. Beyond his individual achievements, Messi has also been instrumental in Argentina’s international success.#lionel_messi #argentina #world_cup #miroslav_klose #facundo_medina
