Football history was written once again as Lionel Messi became the all-time leading goalscorer in FIFA Men’s World Cup history.
The Argentine captain reached an incredible milestone by scoring his 18th World Cup goal during Argentina’s clash with Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, surpassing the long-standing record of 16 goals previously held by Miroslav Klose.
Already regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, Messi continues to rewrite the record books at the age of 38. Competing in his sixth World Cup, the legendary forward has once again demonstrated his remarkable longevity, consistency, and ability to deliver on football’s biggest stage.
The record-breaking strike is another landmark achievement in a career filled with historic moments, including winning the World Cup, multiple Ballon d’Or titles, and countless records for both club and country. Yet this latest accomplishment places Messi alone at the summit of the World Cup scoring charts, a feat many believed would stand for generations.
With 18 goals to his name, Messi now sits above football icons such as Miroslav Klose (16), Ronaldo Nazário (15) Kylian Mbappé (France) and Gerd Müller (West Germany) (14), further cementing his place among the sport’s immortals.
For Argentina and football fans around the world, it was another unforgettable moment from a player whose career has consistently defied expectations. As the tournament continues, Messi’s latest record serves as a reminder that even after decades at the highest level, he is still capable of making history.
Lionel Messi: 18 World Cup goals, one all-time record, and another legendary chapter in a truly extraordinary career.
Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of The Accra Daily Mail, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.
