2026 World Cup: Lionel Messi sets historic record

22.06.26 FT World Cup

Argentina

2

:

Austria

0

Already the author of a hat-trick against Algeria (3-0) in Argentina's opening match of this 2026 World Cup, Lionel Messi pulled off a sensational feat on Monday night.

Tonight, with his goal in the 39th minute—finishing off a pinpoint cross from Marseille's Medina to open the scoring against Austria—Lionel Messi became the top scorer in the history of football's greatest tournament.

The all-time World Cup top scorers ranking:

Lionel Messi: 17 goals

Miroslav Klose: 16 goals

Ronaldo: 15 goals

Gerd Müller, Kylian Mbappé: 14 goals

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.

Related teams and leagues

Argentina

Austria

World Cup