Lionel Messi is now the highest goalscorer in the history of the FIFA World Cup as of Monday, 22 June 2026. The Argentine captain delivered yet another breathtaking performance, scoring a brace against Austria to reach 18 World Cup goals, surpassing Miroslav Klose’s long‑standing record of 16.
Messi had scored five goals in first two games at this World Cup, once again dominating the global stage. His brace pushed Argentina into the Round of 32, but as always, it was Messi who stole the spotlight with another masterclass display.
Softfootball can confirm that Messi has now scored in six consecutive World Cup matches. This remarkable streak began in the knockout rounds of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where he scored against:
- Australia
- Netherlands
- Croatia
- France
Four years later, the run continues:
- Hat‑trick vs Algeria in the 2026 opener
- Brace vs Austria to break the all‑time record
At 38 years old, Messi is performing with the energy, sharpness, and brilliance of a footballer half his age. His mentality remains unmatched, and what he does with the ball continues to feel
