New Delhi: Football legend Lionel Messi on Monday became the all-time top scorer in the FIFA World Cup, overtaking Miroslav Klose and taking his tally to 18. La Pulga opened the scoresheet in the 38th minute with a first-post left-footed low curler from inside the D-box.
The historic moment came during Argentina’s Group J clash against Austria at the FIFA World Cup. Messi could have achieved this feat in the 9th minute, but he drew a penalty wide, keeping the score level. And like the commentator said, “He is human.”
And like every good thing, which comes to a full circle, Messi’s moment in the match came later with a sublime finish. He went on to double his tally for the match in stoppage time after 90 minutes. With this, Messi also became just the third player to score in six back-to-back men’s World Cup games. The other two players are Just Fontaine (France) and Jarzinho (Brazil).
Who are the other players?
Messi entered the match tied with Klose at 16 goals, scored his 17th to take the outright lead, and added an extra-time insurance goal to reach 18. The top-five players in the list of the most FIFA World Cup goals are Lionel Messi (18), Miroslav Klose (16), Ronaldo Nazario (15), Gerd Müller (14) and Kylian Mbappé (14).
What makes this list so thrilling right now is that the 2026 FIFA World Cup features both the top-ranked and the most dangerous challenger, actively adding to their tallies.
With 14 goals and sitting in the fifth position, 27-year-old Mbappé is the biggest threat to the Argentine. He scored twice in France’s 3-1 opening victory against Senegal. Given his young age and lethal form, he is heavily favoured to eventually chase down Messi’s new record.
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‘Appreciate Lionel Messi’
Social media erupted after the fabulous performance from the 38-year-old.
“If you’re ever sad, remember Earth is 4.5 billion years old and you somehow exist at the same time as Lionel Messi,” posted an X user.
Others pointed out his age and compared Messi’s performance on Monday.
“Scary how a guy with practically 39 years is still a guy who’s extremely decisive and game-changing on football’s biggest stage. Appreciate Lionel Messi,” posted another X user.
Before running into Messi and the reigning world champions, Austria had built a formidable wall under manager Ralf Rangnick. Austria had not lost a competitive or friendly match since September 2025. Their streak was defined by an intensely aggressive, high-pressing style that frustrated elite European opponents during World Cup qualifying.
Then Messi arrived.
“He didn’t just play football, he softened the laws of physics with every touch. A quiet genius in a noisy world, turning pressure into poetry and defenders into memory. Lionel Messi didn’t chase greatness; he made it look inevitable,” posted a X user after 90 minutes.
While elite stars like Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez, and Enzo Fernández are in the prime of their club careers, the 38-year-old team captain has essentially carried the reigning champions on his back through their first two Group J matches, securing a berth at the Round of 32 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.