Lionel Messi World Cup scoring record reaches new heights as the Argentina captain scores his 17th World Cup goal to surpass Miroslav Klose.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi etched his name even deeper into football history on Monday after becoming the highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history, scoring his 17th tournament goal during Argentina’s match against Austria at the 2026 World Cup.

Also read: Messi on Brink of Two Historic Records Against Austria at World Cup 2026

The historic strike saw Messi move ahead of former Germany forward Miroslav Klose, whose tally of 16 goals had stood as the benchmark for World Cup goalscoring excellence.

The record-breaking moment came after an eventful start to the match for the Argentina captain.

Messi initially missed an opportunity to surpass Klose when he sent a penalty wide of the post, leaving fans momentarily stunned.

However, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner responded in characteristic fashion.

Later in the game, Messi found space on the edge of the box and calmly slotted the ball home to hand Argentina the lead and secure a landmark achievement in World Cup history.

The goal not only established the Lionel Messi World Cup Scoring Record but also added another chapter to an already remarkable international career that has spanned more than two decades.

The latest milestone comes at a tournament where Messi has continued to rewrite football’s record books.

Earlier in the competition, the Inter Miami star became the first player in history to appear in six FIFA World Cups, extending a record built on extraordinary longevity and consistency at the highest level.

Messi’s journey at the World Cup began in 2006 as a teenage prodigy. Since then, he has featured in every edition of the tournament, culminating in Argentina’s triumph at the 2022 World Cup and now another historic feat in 2026.

The previous record-holder, Klose, accumulated 16 goals across four World Cup tournaments between 2002 and 2014. The German striker overtook Brazilian legend Ronaldo during the 2014 World Cup and held the record for more than a decade.

Messi’s latest achievement places him at the summit of an elite list that includes some of football’s greatest names.

The top scorers in World Cup history are now:

Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 17 goals

Miroslav Klose (Germany) – 16 goals

Ronaldo (Brazil) – 15 goals

Gerd Müller (Germany) – 14 goals

Kylian Mbappé (France) – 14 goals

The achievement further strengthens Messi’s case as one of the greatest players in football history.

Having already won domestic titles, continental honours, multiple individual awards and the World Cup itself, the Argentine captain continues to set records that may stand for generations.

With Argentina still pursuing another deep run at the 2026 tournament, Messi now has the opportunity to extend his tally and raise the World Cup scoring record even higher.

Also read: Lamine Yamal Surpasses Messi in Youngest World Cup Scorers List

For a player whose career has been defined by extraordinary moments, his 17th World Cup goal may rank among the most significant.