Lionel Messi is the new World Cup scoring king.
The Argentine icon recorded his 17th and 18th career World Cup goals during Monday's 2-0 win over Austria to become the all-time scoring leader in the history of the tournament.
Messi's historic tally came in the 38th minute. He missed a penalty earlier in the match, but made up for it with a classic left-footed finish.
For viewers in U.S. only:
The GOAT stands alone.
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 22, 2026
MESSI BECOMES THE ALL-TIME LEADING GOALSCORER IN MEN’S FIFA WORLD CUP HISTORY 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/aWY9thIuUG
For viewers in Canada only:
MESSI MAKES HISTORY!!
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) June 22, 2026
Messi is the men's #FIFAWorldCup all-time leading scorer with goal number 17! pic.twitter.com/FmJn6rPcPr
He then brought his total to 18 World Cup goals in the 95th minute, finding the net after a wild scramble inside the Austria penalty area to seal a victory that sent his team to the knockout stages.
Brazilian legend Marta has 17 goals in the Women's World Cup, which stood as the overall tournament record for men or women prior to Messi's brace Monday.
Messi entered the match tied with former Germany striker Miroslav Klose on 16 men's World Cup goals. The Inter Miami superstar passed Ronaldo Nazario (15) and Gerd Muller (14) on the all-time list after posting a hat-trick - his first-ever World Cup treble - during Argentina's opener versus Algeria last week. Messi now has five goals in two games at this summer's tournament, and he's been on the scoresheet in six consecutive World Cup games.
World Cup scoring leaders (men)
France star Kylian Mbappe remains firmly in the race to catch Messi, however. The 27-year-old scored two goals last week to reach 14 career World Cup tallies. Mbappe's France faces Iraq later on Monday.
Messi has repeatedly said that this will be his last World Cup. Mbappe's age and superb form strongly indicate that he'll be available to play in 2030, barring injury. It's not out of the question that the Frenchman could also play in 2034.
Messi has established dozens of records throughout his legendary career.
The 38-year-old - he turns 39 on Wednesday - is one of only two men to appear in six different World Cups (Cristiano Ronaldo), and he's also both Argentina's youngest- and oldest-ever scorer in the blockbuster tournament.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner's next opportunity to add to his World Cup scoring tally is June 27 against Jordan.
