Lionel Messi Sets All-Time World Cup Record as Argentina Reach Knockout Stage
By Aris
June 24, 2026
The FIFA World Cup 2026 continues to produce unforgettable moments, but few days in tournament history have delivered as much drama, emotion, and record-breaking brilliance as the latest round of matches.
Football fans around the world witnessed another legendary chapter in the career of Lionel Messi as Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 to secure their place in the knockout stage. The Argentine captain scored both goals and officially became the highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history.
While Messi stole most of the headlines, he was far from the only superstar making history.
France secured qualification for the Round of 32 with a dominant 3-0 victory over Iraq, powered by another outstanding performance from Kylian Mbappé. Meanwhile, Erling Haaland continued his remarkable goalscoring form by leading Norway to a thrilling 3-2 win over Senegal.
Algeria also kept their tournament hopes alive with a dramatic comeback victory against Jordan.
As the group stage enters its decisive phase, several teams have already secured their places in the knockout rounds, while others now face must-win situations.
Messi Becomes World Cup's Greatest Goalscorer
For years, football fans debated whether anyone would ever surpass the records established by some of the greatest players in World Cup history.
On Monday, Lionel Messi answered that question.
The Argentine icon entered the match against Austria already among the tournament's all-time leading scorers. By the final whistle, he stood alone at the top.
Messi's two goals took his career World Cup total to 18 goals, setting a new all-time record in the competition.
The achievement moved him beyond former Germany striker Miroslav Klose, who held the men's record with 16 goals, and also surpassed the overall World Cup record previously held by Brazilian legend Marta, who scored 17 goals in the FIFA Women's World Cup.
At 38 years old, Messi continues to deliver elite-level performances despite being in the final years of his extraordinary career.
The moment felt like another defining chapter in a story that has already included countless records, trophies, and unforgettable memories.
Argentina Continue to Look Like Title Contenders
Argentina entered the tournament carrying significant expectations after their previous World Cup success.
So far, they have handled that pressure impressively.
Against Austria, Lionel Scaloni's side looked organized, disciplined, and dangerous throughout the match.
Austria worked hard defensively and attempted to frustrate Argentina's attacking players, but the quality gap eventually became impossible to overcome.
Messi opened the scoring with a composed finish before adding another goal later in the match to secure all three points.
The victory guaranteed Argentina's place in the knockout stage and reinforced their reputation as one of the strongest teams remaining in the competition.
More importantly, the team appears to be peaking at the right time.
Their defensive structure remains solid, their midfield continues to control possession, and Messi is still producing moments of magic whenever the team needs him.
Historic Numbers Continue to Follow Messi
The latest record is only one of many astonishing statistics surrounding the Argentine captain.
Messi has now scored 18 goals in World Cup competition, but the story becomes even more impressive when looking deeper into the numbers.
He has scored in six consecutive World Cup matches, joining one of the most exclusive groups in football history.
His consistency across multiple tournaments is equally remarkable.
Over his last nine World Cup appearances dating back to Qatar 2022, Messi has either scored or assisted in eight matches.
During that stretch, he has recorded 12 goals and three assists.
Even more impressively, he has now scored 12 World Cup goals after turning 35 years old.
To put that achievement into perspective, several legendary forwards finished their entire World Cup careers with fewer goals than Messi has scored after the age of 35.
The numbers continue to highlight a player who refuses to slow down despite the passing years.
A Rare Miss Doesn't Stop Messi's Historic Night
Interestingly, Messi's record-breaking performance also included an unusual moment.
The Argentine star failed to convert a penalty during the match.
Normally, a missed penalty becomes a major talking point, especially during a World Cup.
However, Messi quickly put that disappointment behind him and responded by scoring twice from open play.
The missed penalty ultimately became little more than a footnote in a night dominated by history.
For Argentina supporters, the result mattered far more than the miss.
By the end of the evening, their captain had once again delivered when it mattered most.
France and Mbappé Continue Their March Forward
If anyone appears capable of eventually challenging Messi's newly established record, it may be Kylian Mbappé.
France's superstar forward produced another sensational performance in a comfortable 3-0 victory over Iraq.
Mbappé scored twice and looked dangerous throughout the match.
The brace increased his career World Cup tally to 16 goals.
That total now places him level with Miroslav Klose and only two goals behind Messi's new all-time record.
Considering Mbappé is still only 27 years old, many believe he could eventually become the tournament's highest goalscorer.
France's victory also secured qualification for the knockout rounds, ensuring that Mbappé will have additional opportunities to add to his tally in the coming weeks.
The French national team continues to look balanced, experienced, and capable of making another deep tournament run.
Mbappé's Record-Breaking Numbers
The France forward achieved several milestones during the match against Iraq.
Among the most notable was earning his 100th international appearance for France.
At just 27 years and 184 days old, he became the youngest male player in French football history to reach that landmark.
His World Cup scoring consistency has also become legendary.
Mbappé now owns six multi-goal World Cup matches, more than any other active player in the tournament.
With the knockout stage approaching, France will rely heavily on his goals if they hope to lift another World Cup trophy.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. How many World Cup goals has Lionel Messi scored?
Lionel Messi has scored 18 FIFA World Cup goals, making him the tournament's all-time leading goalscorer.
Q2. Which record did Messi break against Austria?
Messi became the highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history after scoring twice against Austria.
Q3. How did Argentina qualify for the knockout stage?
Argentina secured qualification for the Round of 32 with a 2-0 victory over Austria.
Q4. Did Messi score both goals against Austria?
Yes, Lionel Messi scored both goals in Argentina's win over Austria.
Q5. How old is Lionel Messi during the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Messi is 38 years old during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Q6. Why was Messi's performance against Austria historic?
His two goals allowed him to become the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history.
Q7. How many World Cup goals does Kylian Mbappé have?
Kylian Mbappé has scored 16 goals in FIFA World Cup matches.
Q8. How many goals did Mbappé score against Iraq?
Mbappé scored two goals in France's 3-0 victory over Iraq.
Q9. How did France qualify for the Round of 32?
France secured qualification after winning their opening two group-stage matches.
Q10. What milestone did Mbappé reach for France?
Mbappé earned his 100th international cap for France.
Q11. Can Mbappé break Messi's World Cup scoring record?
Given his age and scoring rate, Mbappé has a strong chance to challenge the record in future tournaments.
Q12. Why is Mbappé considered one of the tournament favorites?
His consistent scoring ability and experience on the international stage make him one of football's most dangerous forwards.
Q13. Which teams qualified for the knockout rounds on this matchday?
Argentina and France officially secured their places in the knockout stage.
Q14. What was the final score between Argentina and Austria?
Argentina defeated Austria 2-0.
Q15. What was the final score between France and Iraq?
France defeated Iraq 3-0.
Q16. Why is Messi's World Cup record so significant?
The FIFA World Cup is football's biggest tournament, making the scoring record one of the sport's greatest achievements.
Q17. How many international goals has Messi scored for Argentina?
Messi has scored more than 120 goals for Argentina in international football.
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