Lionel Messi becomes leading goal scorer in FIFA WC history
What's the story
Argentina talisman Lionel Messi has added yet another feather to his already illustrious hat. The 38-year-old striker has gone past Germany's Miroslav Klose to become the footballer with the most goals in FIFA World Cup history. Messi reached the landmark with his first strike in the Group J clash against Austria at the Dallas Stadium. Here are further details.
Stats
17 goals in the competition
With a sensational hat-trick against Algeria in Argentina's 2026 edition opener, Messi equaled Klose's record of 16 goals at the World Cup. Playing his 28th game in the competition, the former has now raced to 17 goals. Brazil's Ronaldo is now third in terms of World Cup goals, having made 15 strikes. With 14 goals, France's Kylian Mbappé trails Messi among active players.
Tally
Six World Cup appearances for Messi
Messi is appearing in his 6th World Cup, having featured in the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022 editions in the past. With 28 appearances, Messi is the most capped player in the tournament's history. Besides his 17 goals, he also owns 8 WC assists - the joint-most alongside Diego Maradona. He won the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball in 2014, 2022 and FIFA World Cup Silver Boot in 2022.
Information
Breaking down Messi's World Cup goals tournament wise
Messi scored a goal in his World Cup tournament debut in 2006. After firing blanks in 2010, he scored 4 times in 2014. In 2018, Messi managed one goal. He had a dream 2022 World Cup campaign, scoring 7 times. And now, he already has four goals at the FIFA World Cup 2026.