Lionel Messi is king of the World Cup! Argentina icon becomes all-time top scorer after shaking off penalty upset vs Austria

Lionel Messi has officially etched his name deeper into football history, becoming the all-time leading goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history with 18 goals, surpassing German legend Miroslav Klose's record of 16. The Inter Miami star achieved this monumental feat on Monday, June 22, 2026, during Argentina's crucial 2-0 Group J victory over Austria, a match where he also shook off an earlier penalty upset to score a brace and secure Argentina's spot in the knockout rounds. This record-breaking performance further solidifies Messi's already unassailable legacy, coming in his sixth World Cup appearance at 38 years old and just days after a hat-trick against Algeria had initially drawn him level with Klose. His move to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer seems to have rejuvenated him, allowing him to arrive at what many consider his last World Cup still operating at stratospheric levels. The race for the golden boot this tournament is heating up, with French phenom Kylian Mbappé, currently on 14 goals, closely trailing and looking to challenge Messi's newly set benchmark. As Argentina, the reigning champions, comfortably advance to the next stage, the focus now shifts to how far Messi can extend his record and whether he can lead his team to back-to-back World Cup titles. His ability to overcome early frustration with a missed penalty and still deliver a match-winning performance underscores his unparalleled mental fortitude and skill, leaving fans and pundits to continue debating his status as the greatest of all time. Watch for Argentina's knockout stage matchups, which promise more dazzling displays from the maestro.