Messi's Historic World Cup Milestone
Lionel Messi has surpassed Miroslav Klose as the all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history. The record-breaking moment came on June 22, 2026, during Argentina's second group-stage match of the 2026 World Cup against Austria. At 38 years old, Messi netted his 17th World Cup goal in the 38th minute of the game, etching his name into football history.
Facundo Medina provided the assist for the landmark goal. With this strike, the Argentine forward overtook former Germany striker Miroslav Klose, who had held the record since 2014. Messi had already tied Klose's mark in the previous match against Algeria, where he scored a hat-trick.
'This goal was Messi's 17th at World Cups. With it, the Argentine surpassed the achievement of former Germany striker Miroslav Klose and now tops the list of all-time World Cup goalscorers,' reports Radio Trek.
Why Messi's Achievement Matters
Messi, who currently plays for Inter Miami, continues to cement his legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time. His latest feat underscores not only his extraordinary skill but also his remarkable longevity at the sport's highest level.
This milestone marks a defining moment in Messi's career, showcasing his enduring brilliance and consistency. By breaking the record at an advanced stage of his career, he sends a powerful message to younger players: age is no barrier to achieving greatness. His accomplishment is expected to inspire future generations of footballers and further elevate the standard of international competition.
Messi's journey to this remarkable achievement was paved by his earlier performance, where he tied Klose's record with a stunning hat-trick against Algeria. This prior match not only showcased his scoring prowess but also set the stage for his historic milestone, highlighting the consistency and excellence that define his career.