Messi breaks World Cup scoring record, surpasses Klose with 17 goals

Lionel Messi etched his name further into football history on Monday, becoming the all-time leading goal-scorer in FIFA World Cup tournaments. The Argentine captain scored his 17th goal in the competition during a Group J match against Austria in Arlington, Texas, surpassing the previous record held by Germany's Miroslav Klose.

Messi's record-breaking moment came in the 38th minute, when he found the back of the net to give Argentina the lead. The goal moved him past Klose, who had held the record with 16 goals. Messi had drawn level with Klose in Argentina's previous match against Algeria, where he scored a hat-trick.

Earlier in the match, Messi had a chance to break the record from the penalty spot in the 9th minute. The penalty was awarded after a lengthy video review following a foul on Lautaro Martinez inside the Austria penalty area. However, Messi's spot-kick was saved by the Austrian goalkeeper, delaying the historic moment.

The achievement adds to Messi's storied career, which includes seven Ballon d'Or awards and a World Cup title in 2022. At 38, he continues to perform at the highest level, leading Argentina's attack in the 2026 tournament.

Messi's 17 World Cup goals have come across five tournaments (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026), with his first goal scored in 2006 against Serbia and Montenegro. Klose's record of 16 goals was set over four tournaments (2002, 2006, 2010, 2014).

Argentina went on to win the match 2-0, with Messi's goal proving crucial. The victory kept Argentina on track for qualification to the knockout stages.