Lionel Messi has once again etched his name into football history. The Argentine captain became the all-time leading goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history during Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Austria at the FIFA World Cup 2026, further enhancing a legacy that already places him among the greatest footballers of all time.
The historic moment came as Messi scored his 18th FIFA World Cup goal, moving past the previous record and setting a new benchmark for future generations. At 38 years of age, the Argentine superstar continues to deliver on football’s biggest stage, proving that age is no barrier to greatness.
The victory over Austria not only secured three important points for Argentina but also confirmed their place in the knockout stages of the tournament. With qualification secured and Messi breaking another long-standing record, Argentina head into the latter stages of the competition full of confidence.
Messi Sets New FIFA World Cup Goals Record
The FIFA World Cup has witnessed many legendary goalscorers over the decades, but Messi now stands alone at the top of the list.
FIFA World Cup All-Time Leading Goalscorers
| Player | Goals |
|---|---|
| Lionel Messi | 18 |
| Miroslav Klose | 17 |
| Ronaldo Nazário | 15 |
| Gerd Müller | 14 |
| Just Fontaine | 13 |
Messi’s achievement becomes even more remarkable considering the consistency he has shown across multiple FIFA World Cup tournaments. Having already won the World Cup and numerous individual honors throughout his career, the Argentine captain continues to find new ways to make history.
Argentina Secure Knockout Stage Qualification
Argentina’s win over Austria ensured qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32. The defending champions have won both of their group-stage matches and remain one of the strongest contenders for the title.
FIFA World Cup 2026 – Teams Qualified So Far
| Team | Group | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico | Group A | Qualified |
| United States | Group D | Qualified |
| Germany | Group E | Qualified |
| France | Group I | Qualified |
| Norway | Group I | Qualified |
| Argentina | Group J | Qualified |
Argentina’s qualification continues a strong start to their title defense campaign and gives head coach Lionel Scaloni an opportunity to manage his squad ahead of the knockout rounds.
Argentina’s World Cup 2026 Results
The South American giants have enjoyed a perfect start to the tournament.
| Match | Result |
|---|---|
| Argentina vs Algeria | Won 3-0 |
| Argentina vs Austria | Won 2-0 |
The team has looked solid in both attack and defense, with Messi once again leading from the front.
Next Up: Argentina vs Jordan
Although qualification has already been secured, Argentina still have one group-stage match remaining before the knockout rounds begin.
Argentina Remaining Group Stage Fixture
| Match | Date |
|---|---|
| Argentina vs Jordan | 27 June 2026 |
The upcoming clash against Jordan presents another opportunity for Messi to add to his record-breaking tally. With the football world closely following his every move, all eyes will once again be on the Argentine captain.
A strong performance against Jordan would also allow Argentina to maintain momentum heading into the Round of 32.
Messi’s Legacy Continues to Grow
Over the course of an extraordinary career, Messi has won league titles, domestic cups, continental trophies, the Copa América, and the FIFA World Cup. Yet even after achieving virtually everything the sport has to offer, he continues to break records and set new standards.
The latest milestone further strengthens his place among football’s all-time greats. From his early days as a teenage sensation to becoming a World Cup-winning captain and now the tournament’s leading goalscorer, Messi’s journey remains one of the most remarkable stories in sporting history.
With Argentina through to the knockout stages and the FIFA World Cup 2026 entering its most exciting phase, fans around the world will be eager to see what the legendary No.10 accomplishes next.
Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 Live
Football fans can watch every match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 live on ZEE5 with coverage available in multiple languages, including Malayalam, Hindi, English, and Bangla.
