Guinness World Records (GWR) has celebrated Argentina captain Lionel Messi after he set four FIFA World Cup records during his side’s 2-0 victory over Austria on Monday.
The captain scored both goals as Argentina secured the group-stage win, further strengthening his place in football history.
Following the match, GWR highlighted four milestones achieved by the 38-year-old and declared: “We are witnessing history.”
According to GWR, Messi now holds the record for the most FIFA World Cup finals goals by a football player with 18, surpassing Germany’s Miroslav Klose, who previously held the mark with 16 goals.
The Argentine star also moved past Brazil women’s football legend Marta, who scored 17 World Cup goals, to become the outright highest goalscorer across both the men’s and women’s tournaments.
GWR also confirmed that Messi extended his record for the most FIFA World Cup matches played by an individual after making his 28th appearance in the competition against Austria.
The victory also gave him a record 18th World Cup match win, while his total time on the pitch reached an unprecedented 2,489 minutes, another tournament record.
In a statement shared on Monday, GWR listed the achievements as: “Most FIFA World Cup finals goals by a football (soccer) player — 18, Most FIFA World Cup matches played by an individual — 28, Most matches won by a player at the FIFA World Cup — 18, Most minutes played in the FIFA World Cup — 2,489.”
Messi’s latest accomplishments came despite missing a penalty during the match before responding with a decisive brace that secured Argentina’s victory.
The record-breaking outing further increased his collection of Guinness World Records titles and widened his advantage over Cristiano Ronaldo in the all-time standings.
Lionel Messi has 45 official Guinness World Records (GWR) titles, making him the football player with the most record titles in history.
Messi’s latest four Guinness World Records
Most FIFA World Cup goals: 18
Most FIFA World Cup matches played: 28
Most FIFA World Cup matches won: 18
Most FIFA World Cup minutes played: 2,489.
