League: FIFA World Cup Sport: Soccer Country: Global Category: Scores & Results

Lionel Messi becomes all-time leading World Cup goal scorer

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 23, 2026, 11:25 AM

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

Lionel Messi becomes all-time leading World Cup goal scorer

Summary

Lionel Messi became the FIFA World Cup's all-time leading goal scorer during Argentina's match against Austria on Monday, June 23. He netted two goals, bringing his total to 18 goals in World Cup history, surpassing Miroslav Klose's previous record of 16. Messi is the only player for Argentina to score at this tournament, having previously scored a hat-trick against Algeria. Kylian Mbappe is close behind with 16 goals, potentially aiming for more as both players could participate in additional matches this summer if their teams advance in the tournament.

Source Links

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Status Watch

•Messi scored twice against Austria on June 23, 2026.
•He now has 18 World Cup goals, two more than Klose.
•Kylian Mbappe follows closely with 16 World Cup goals.
•Both players could extend their tallies this summer.
•Messi is Argentina's only scorer in this tournament.

Latest Updates

11:25 AMYahoo Sports — The all-time leading World Cup goal scorers as Messi breaks record

What they're saying

"
Lionel Messi wrote himself into the FIFA World Cup history books this week as he became the competition’s all-time leading goal scorerThe Inter Miami star grabbed a brace in Monday’s 2-0 win over ...
— Yahoo Sports

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