Messi Makes History: Breaks World Cup Scoring Record

LIONEL Messi etched his name further into footballing folklore on Monday evening, becoming the all-time leading goalscorer in men’s World Cup history with his 17th tournament goal during Argentina’s Group J clash against Austria in Arlington, Texas.

The 38-year-old magician, who will celebrate his 39th birthday later this week, surpassed the long-standing record of German legend Miroslav Klose, who had held the mark of 16 goals since 2014.

Messi had drawn level with Klose’s tally just days prior, netting a sublime hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 opening victory over Algeria.

Record-Breaking Strike

The historic moment arrived in the 38th minute of a tense encounter. After seeing an early penalty saved by Austria goalkeeper Alexander Schlager, Messi demonstrated his enduring class. Initiating a slick Argentina move, he timed his run to perfection, meeting Facundo Medina’s low cross with a first-time finish into the bottom corner.

The goal not only gave the defending champions the lead but also secured his place in history.

Messi wasn’t finished there. In stoppage time, he reacted quickest to a goalmouth scramble, forcing the ball home for his second of the night and his 18th World Cup goal. This brace sealed a 2-0 victory for Argentina, mathematically securing their passage to the knockout rounds.

A Legacy Cemented

The record adds to an already unprecedented career. Messi, who now holds the outright record for men’s World Cup goals and has drawn level with Brazilian legend Marta’s overall World Cup mark of 17, has been the tournament’s standout performer.

He has now scored in six consecutive World Cup matches, a feat only previously achieved by Just Fontaine in 1958 and Jairzinho in 1970.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino was quick to pay tribute, posting on social media: “The incredible @leomessi now holds the record with 17 goals… Congratulations and thank you for spreading so much joy and inspiring people all over the world with such consistency and excellence.”

Messi’s World Cup journey, which began in 2006, has seen him score in six different tournaments. His crowning moment came in 2022 when he scored seven goals, including a brace in the final, to lead Argentina to glory in Qatar.

With Argentina now safely through to the round of 32 and Messi in scintillating form, the footballing world waits with bated breath to see just how many more records the man widely regarded as the greatest of all time can shatter.