Lionel Messi extended his place among football’s all-time greats by breaking the record for most career goals scored at the World Cup during Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Austria on Monday in Dallas. The six-time Ballon d’Or winner netted twice in the match to bring his total World Cup goal tally to 18, surpassing the previous record of 16 held by Germany’s Miroslav Klose.
Messi’s performance came in Argentina’s final Group J game of the tournament, securing first place in the group and bolstering their hopes for the knockout stages. Despite an early setback when he missed a penalty in the ninth minute after Lautaro Martinez was fouled, Messi recovered to score the opening goal in the 38th minute. The goal originated from a well-executed team move involving a precise cross from Facundo Medina and a deft dummy from Thiago Almada, allowing Messi to one-time the ball past Austrian goalkeeper Alexander Schlager.
Messi’s second goal, his 18th in World Cup competition and 122nd for Argentina overall, came in the fifth minute of stoppage time, when he scored from a sharp angle on the left side to seal the victory. His contributions on the field have remained extraordinary despite his current professional tenure with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, a league considered less competitive than top European divisions.
The match drew large crowds willing to pay premium prices, eager to witness the historic moments live. Messi’s style on the pitch—characterized by his unpredictable movement, precise positioning, and technical skill—continues to captivate fans and analysts alike. Commentator Alexi Lalas referred to Messi as “not of this world,” underscoring the Argentine’s unique talents and enduring impact on the global game.
Messi maintains a low profile off the field, rarely speaking in English and providing measured remarks in Spanish during the limited press interactions he grants. Reflecting on his career in an earlier interview, he emphasized team success over individual accolades, stating, “I prefer to win titles with the team, ahead of individual awards or scoring more goals than anyone else.”
With 18 goals in 28 World Cup matches and the tournament far from over, Messi’s record-breaking feats underscore his remarkable longevity and continued excellence at the highest level of international football.