Lionel Messi etched his name in football history on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, as he scored all goals in Argentina's 2-0 victory over Austria in the World Cup, held in Texas, USA. With this performance, Messi became the tournament's all-time leading goalscorer, registering 18 goals in total and breaking the previous record of 16 goals set by Germany's Miroslav Klose.
Victory secures knockout stage berth
The win ensured Argentina's place in the knockout rounds, giving the team a comfortable lead in their group. Messi expressed his satisfaction after the match, stating, "I'm very happy with the victory. It was hugely important, tough, hard-fought, and it gives us peace of mind for what's ahead. The match was evenly balanced, intense, and we're happy to have earned six points."
Messi's historic achievement
Messi's 18 goals now stand as the highest in World Cup history, surpassing Klose's long-standing record. The Argentine captain has been instrumental in his team's campaign, and this milestone adds to his legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time. The match against Austria was closely contested, but Messi's clinical finishing made the difference, securing a vital win for Argentina.
