Lionel Messi has added another landmark achievement to his remarkable career, becoming the outright leading goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history after finding the net twice in Argentina’s victory over Austria.
The Argentina captain curled home a trademark left-footed effort in his side’s second group-stage match, moving beyond the previous record and further taking his spot among football’s all-time greats.
He doubled his tally in the game just before the final whistle to add a bit of icing to the cake.
At 38, Messi continues to play a decisive role as Argentina pursue back-to-back World Cup titles, producing a level of consistency that younger stars are still striving to match.
Historic run continues for Argentina captain
The record-breaking goal came just days after Messi opened the tournament with a hat-trick, putting him among the leading contenders for the Golden Boot award.
His latest strike means he has now scored in six consecutive World Cup matches, matching a feat previously achieved only by France legend Just Fontaine and Brazil icon Jairzinho.
No player has ever scored in seven straight World Cup appearances, giving Messi another record to target when Argentina face Jordan in their final group game.
The Inter Miami forward has also continued to influence matches beyond goals. According to Opta statistics, Messi is now level for the most assists in World Cup history since records began in 1966 and needs just one more to move clear at the top.
Experience, intelligence key to longevity
While the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Vinicius Junior are emerging as leading figures of the next generation, Messi continues to show why he remains football’s benchmark.
Playing in MLS has also helped manage the physical demands of his career, allowing him to arrive at major tournaments fresh and ready to perform.
With Argentina already among the favourites to lift the trophy, Messi’s blistering form suggests the world champions remain a formidable force.
And with more matches still to come, the World Cup’s new all-time leading scorer may not be finished rewriting history just yet.
