Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

Lionel Messi World Cup goalscorer history was made in Dallas as the Argentina national football team captain scored twice against Austria national football team to move past Miroslav Klose’s men’s tournament record.

Messi struck in the first half of Argentina’s Group J match, then added another in stoppage time to move to 18 career World Cup goals. The milestone mattered because Klose’s record of 16 had stood since 2014, when Germany beat Messi’s Argentina in the final.

For more World Cup coverage, read Uruguay vs Cape Verde Draw Leaves Marcelo Bielsa Facing World Cup Pressure, while official tournament details are available through the FIFA World Cup 2026 page.

Messi Makes History In Dallas

Messi had missed the chance to break the record earlier when he pulled a ninth-minute penalty wide.

He made no mistake later in the half, starting a flowing Argentina move before arriving unmarked in the box. Facundo Medina delivered the low cross, and Messi swept a first-time finish into the bottom corner.

The goal sparked loud celebrations from Argentina supporters, with chants of Messi’s name ringing around the stadium.

Argentina Captain Adds To Legacy

Messi’s second goal in added time moved him one clear of Brazil great Marta on the all-time World Cup scoring list.

The 38-year-old is playing in his sixth World Cup, and Monday’s match was his FIFA-record 28th tournament appearance. His goal against Austria was also his sixth straight World Cup match with a goal.

Messi’s latest record came after a hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria, which was also his 200th international appearance. That game came 20 years to the day after his World Cup debut, when he also scored.

Klose scored 16 goals across 24 World Cup matches for Germany national football team. Brazil national football team forward Ronaldo sits next on the men’s list with 15, ahead of Gerd Müller and Kylian Mbappé on 14.