Messi sets World Cup scoring record with historic 18th goal

Lionel Messi added another landmark to his extraordinary career by becoming the outright top scorer in World Cup history after leading Argentina to a 2-0 win over Austria. The captain struck his 18th goal in the competition, surpassing Miroslav Klose just days after drawing level with the German legend thanks to a hat-trick against Algeria.

Messi reached the record in his 28th World Cup appearance, two more than Klose, and extended his lead as the player who has scored in the most different World Cup matches, now standing at thirteen. His goals have come across five tournaments, with only South Africa 2010 missing from his scoring record.

While Klose still holds an edge in goals from open play, Messi’s range of opponents and longevity underline his remarkable consistency. With five goals already at the 2026 edition, the Argentine icon continues to shape a World Cup legacy unmatched in the modern era.