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The Legacy of Records: Lionel Messi Becomes All-Time World Cup Top Scorer
Lionel Messi has officially surpassed Miroslav Klose to become the all-time leading goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history, reaching a career total of 18 goals. The milestone was confirmed on June 22, 2026, during Argentina’s 2-0 Group J victory over Austria at the Dallas Stadium, where Messi netted two goals to cement his place at the top of the record books.
How Messi Toppled the 12-Year Record
Messi’s ascent to the top spot ended the 12-year reign of German striker Miroslav Klose, who held the previous record of 16 goals. According to reports from Suddeutsche Zeitung, Messi secured the new benchmark after scoring three goals against Algeria in his opening match of the 2026 tournament, followed by his two-goal performance against Austria. This brings his 2026 World Cup tally to five goals, contributing to an overall career total of 18.
Prior to the 2026 tournament, Miroslav Klose publicly expressed his admiration for the Argentine captain, stating, “I am a huge admirer of Messi, and always have been. He is a genius.” Klose acknowledged that the record was destined to be broken, welcoming the transition.
Comparing the Greats: Klose vs. Messi
The transition of the record highlights different eras of international dominance. Miroslav Klose reached his 16-goal peak over four World Cup tournaments (2002–2014), consistently performing for Germany. In contrast, Lionel Messi achieved his 18-goal record across six separate tournament appearances, starting in 2006. While Klose’s record stood for over a decade, Messi’s consistency—only failing to score in the 2010 edition—demonstrates a unique longevity in modern football.
Why This Matters for Football History
The record serves as a statistical anchor for the ongoing “Greatest of All Time” debate. Following the match in Dallas, Klose publicly congratulated the Argentine forward, calling him “the best football player of all time.” By surpassing a record held by a German legend, Messi has effectively closed a chapter on one of the most prestigious individual milestones in the sport.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many total goals does Lionel Messi have in the World Cup?
As of June 22, 2026, Lionel Messi has scored 18 goals in World Cup competition. - Whose record did Lionel Messi break?
Messi broke the record previously held by German striker Miroslav Klose, who scored 16 goals during his international career. - In which World Cup did Messi not score a goal?
Messi did not score during the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, where Argentina was eliminated in the quarter-finals. - How many World Cups has Messi played in?
The 2026 tournament marks Lionel Messi’s sixth appearance in a FIFA World Cup.
What are your thoughts on Messi’s historic achievement? Join the conversation in the comments section below or explore our archives for more deep-dives into World Cup history.
