Lionel Messi became the all-time top scorer in FIFA World Cup history during the 2026 tournament, surpassing German legend Miroslav Klose’s previous record of 16 goals. Messi now stands at 19 World Cup goals, a milestone that underscores his longevity at the sport’s highest level and his ability to perform when tournaments matter most.

The Argentina captain reached the record against Austria in the group stage, scoring twice to seal victory. He added another goal against Jordan on a sublime free kick from outside the box. At 39 years old, Messi continues to perform at an elite level, leading the defending champions deeper into the tournament.

The Scoring Record in Context

Kylian Mbappé trails Messi with 16 goals, tied with Klose. The Golden Boot race—given to the tournament’s leading scorer—will intensify as the knockout rounds proceed. But Messi’s record goes beyond one tournament. His 19 World Cup goals represent a career spanning five World Cups, an achievement no other player has matched.

More Than Just Goals

Messi’s scoring record reflects his consistency at international tournaments, his ability to handle pressure, and his evolution as a player. He’s a creator as well as a scorer. He understands positioning, anticipates movement, and converts chances other players miss. His record isn’t about volume; it’s about reliability.

Women’s Record Broken Too

Messi also became the all-time top scorer in both men’s and women’s FIFA World Cup history, surpassing Brazilian great Marta, who holds 17 goals in women’s World Cups. It’s a rare distinction: one player recognized across both competitions as the greatest tournament scorer in the sport’s history.

Records like this get broken by players who show up for decades, who don’t fade when the pressure rises. Messi just wrote another line in the history books.