Staff Reporter
Dallas, USA – Argentina captain Lionel Messi etched his name even deeper into football history after becoming the highest goalscorer in men’s FIFA World Cup history, scoring his 17th tournament goal during Argentina’s Group J clash against Austria on Monday.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner surpassed former Germany striker Miroslav Klose’s long-standing record of 16 World Cup goals when he calmly slotted home in the first half at the Dallas venue, sending Argentine supporters into celebration and cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players the game has ever produced.
Messi’s historic strike gave Argentina an early advantage and marked yet another milestone in a glittering international career that has already seen him win the FIFA World Cup and numerous individual accolades.
The 39-year-old forward has continued to defy age and expectations, leading Argentina’s campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with the same composure, vision and clinical finishing that have defined his career for nearly two decades.
Football fans around the world quickly reacted to the achievement, with tributes pouring in on social media as Messi moved clear of Klose’s record that had stood since the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
With the 2026 World Cup tourney still in progress, attention is still on whether the Argentine superstar could extend his tally further and set an even higher benchmark for future generations.
Argentina entered the encounter seeking to strengthen their position in Group J, while Austria faced the difficult task of containing a player who continues to rewrite football history every time he steps onto the pitch.
