Argentina captain Lionel Messi became the highest goal scorer in FIFA World Cup history after netting his 18th World Cup goal in Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Austria, further cementing his status as one of football’s greatest players.
Messi reached the historic milestone during Argentina’s latest World Cup campaign, surpassing the previous record to become the tournament’s all-time leading scorer. His goal helped guide the reigning world champions to a comfortable win over Austria and strengthened Argentina’s position in the competition.
The 39-year-old forward opened the scoring before Argentina added a second goal to secure all three points against a resilient Austrian side.
The record adds another remarkable chapter to Messi’s illustrious career, which already includes a FIFA World Cup title, multiple Ballon d’Or awards, domestic league championships and numerous international records.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, Messi has consistently delivered on football’s biggest stage. His latest achievement highlights both his longevity and his ability to perform at the highest level across multiple World Cup tournaments.
Argentina coach and teammates hailed the milestone as a historic moment for the national team, with supporters across the world celebrating another landmark achievement by the Argentine star.
The victory keeps Argentina’s World Cup ambitions firmly on track as the South American giants continue their quest for another global title.
With 18 World Cup goals to his name, Messi now stands alone at the top of the tournament’s all-time scoring chart, adding yet another record to a career that has redefined modern football.
