Messi becomes highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history + Full List

by · The Eagle Online

Lionel Messi has become the all-time leading goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history after scoring twice in Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Austria at the 2026 tournament.

The Argentina captain entered the match level with former Germany striker Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals but moved clear at the top with a match-winning brace that also secured Argentina’s place in the Round of 32.

Messi opened the scoring in the 38th minute, finishing from close range after initially missing an early penalty.

The 38-year-old then struck again deep into stoppage time to seal victory and take his World Cup tally to 18 goals.

The feat saw Messi move ahead of Klose, who scored 16 goals across four World Cup tournaments between 2002 and 2014.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner had drawn level with the German legend after netting a hat-trick against Algeria in Argentina’s opening game of the tournament before setting a new record against Austria.

Messi’s latest achievement also moved him past Brazil women’s football icon Marta, who scored 17 goals at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, making the Argentine the highest goalscorer across both the men’s and women’s tournaments.

The Inter Miami star is now alone at the summit of World Cup goalscoring history, with Brazil legend Ronaldo Nazario third on the list with 15 goals.

France captain Kylian Mbappe remains the closest active challenger after reaching 14 World Cup goals at the age of 27.

Messi is appearing in his sixth World Cup, a record he shares with Cristiano Ronaldo and Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa.

Top World Cup goalscorers
Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 18 goals

Miroslav Klose (Germany) – 16 goals

Ronaldo Nazario (Brazil) – 15 goals

Gerd Muller (West Germany) – 14 goals

Kylian Mbappe (France) – 14 goals

Just Fontaine (France) – 13 goals

Pele (Brazil) – 12 goals

Sandor Kocsis (Hungary) – 11 goals

Jurgen Klinsmann (Germany) – 11 goals

Helmut Rahn (West Germany) – 10 goals

Gary Lineker (England) – 10 goals

Gabriel Batistuta (Argentina) – 10 goals

Teofilo Cubillas (Peru) – 10 goals

Thomas Muller (Germany) – 10 goals

Grzegorz Lato (Poland) – 10 goals

Harry Kane (England) – 10 goals

With Argentina safely through to the knockout stage, Messi now has the opportunity to extend his record further as the reigning world champions continue their title defence in North America.

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