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Messi Tops World Cup Scoring, Leads Argentina Past Austria

6/23/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Lionel Messi’s 17th and 18th World Cup goals moved him past Miroslav Klose and Marta, making him the sole all-time leader in World Cup scoring for men and women.
After missing a ninth-minute penalty and expressing anger, Messi scored both goals in Argentina’s 2-0 win over Austria in Arlington, Texas, clinching a knockout berth.
The stoppage-time strike completed a brace, gave Argentina six points and top spot in Group J.

History

Historical Context

In the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Germany’s Miroslav Klose scored his 16th tournament goal, overtaking Brazil’s Ronaldo as the all-time World Cup scorer. The milestone, achieved during the semi-final win over Brazil, capped a career that began with Germany’s record-breaking 69th international goal in 2014 and reshaped FIFA’s scoring history.

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Story summary

Lionel Messi’s 17th and 18th World Cup goals moved him past Miroslav Klose and Marta, making him the sole all-time leader in World Cup scoring for men and women.
After missing a ninth-minute penalty and expressing anger, Messi scored both goals in Argentina’s 2-0 win over Austria in Arlington, Texas, clinching a knockout berth.
The stoppage-time strike completed a brace, gave Argentina six points and top spot in Group J.

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