Lionel Messi has rewritten football history once again. The Argentina captain became the FIFA World Cup’s all-time leading scorer after netting his fourth goal of the 2026 tournament, moving past Germany legend Miroslav Klose and claiming sole possession of one of the sport’s most prestigious records.
The goal was the 17th World Cup goal of Messi’s remarkable career, surpassing Klose’s long-standing mark of 16 and further cementing his place among the greatest players the game has ever seen.
Messi arrived at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with 13 career goals across five previous tournaments. Having already become the first player to appear in six men’s World Cups, the Argentine superstar entered the competition with another piece of history within reach.
Now he owns it.
The record-breaking moment sparked celebrations among Argentina supporters and football fans around the world, many of whom have followed Messi’s World Cup journey from his debut as a teenager in Germany in 2006 to his status as defending world champion in North America.
Messi scored his first World Cup goal against Serbia and Montenegro in 2006 before adding crucial goals in Brazil in 2014, Russia in 2018, and Qatar in 2022. His seven-goal performance in Qatar helped Argentina lift the trophy and complete the one major achievement that had eluded him throughout his career.
© Getty ImagesDuring the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Messi scored 3 points during Argentina Vs. Algeria match. A week later, he scored against Austria, making history as the all-time leading scorer at the Dallas Stadium during the first match of the day on June 22.
© FIFA via Getty ImagesYet even after winning the World Cup, Messi continued to chase history.
His latest goal means he now stands alone at the top of the World Cup scoring charts, ahead of some of the biggest names football has ever produced, including Miroslav Klose, Ronaldo Nazário, Gerd Müller, and Pelé.
© FIFA via Getty ImagesMost Goals in FIFA World Cup History
- Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 17 (as of this writing)
- Miroslav Klose (Germany) – 16
- Ronaldo Nazário (Brazil) – 15
- Gerd Müller (Germany) – 14
- Just Fontaine (France) – 13
- Pelé (Brazil) – 12
The achievement is particularly significant because across six World Cups, he has consistently delivered on football’s biggest stage, producing goals, assists, and defining moments for Argentina.
© FIFA via Getty ImagesWhile records often fall, some seem untouchable.
Klose’s mark of 16 goals stood as the benchmark for more than a decade. Messi has now raised that standard and could potentially extend it further as Argentina continues its campaign.
© FIFA via Getty ImagesAt 38 years old, the Inter Miami star continues to demonstrate the vision, intelligence, and finishing ability that have defined his career. For Argentina, the focus remains on defending the title won in Qatar.
But regardless of what happens next in the tournament, he has already achieved something no player in World Cup history has managed before.
© FIFA via Getty ImagesUntil further notice, the greatest tournament in football now has a new all-time leading scorer. And his name is Lionel Messi.
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