Lionel Messi Sets All-Time World Cup Goals Record: 18 Career Strikes After Argentina’s Round of 32 Charge

Lionel Messi has done it again. At 39, Argentina’s captain has rewritten World Cup history — taking his career tally to 18 goals across six World Cups, surpassing Germany’s Miroslav Klose (16) and overtaking Brazilian women’s legend Marta (17) to become the all-time leading scorer at FIFA World Cups in any category. The latest two goals came in a 3-1 group-stage-clinching win against Austria, with a left-footed finish into the bottom corner officially writing him into the history books.

The Record: 18 Goals Across Six World Cups

Messi made his World Cup debut as a teenager in Germany 2006 and is now playing — almost certainly — his final tournament. His goal tally by edition reads:

• 2006: 1 goal
• 2010: 0 goals (assists only)
• 2014: 4 goals (Argentina runners-up)
• 2018: 1 goal
• 2022: 7 goals (Argentina champions)
• 2026: 5 goals so far (knockout stage just beginning)

The 5 goals in 2026 already match his best non-2022 edition — and there are at least three more knockout matches to come.

Passing Klose: The Men’s Record Falls

Germany’s Miroslav Klose set the men’s record of 16 World Cup goals across four tournaments (2002, 2006, 2010, 2014). Klose’s tally was widely considered unbreakable, but Messi’s continuing performances at age 39 — combined with Argentina’s deep run — gave him the opportunity. With his fifth goal of the tournament against Austria, Messi moved to 17 (passing Klose), then immediately to 18 with a late second-half strike.

Klose, speaking to German broadcaster ZDF earlier this week, was gracious: “Records exist to be broken. If anyone deserves it, it’s him.”

Passing Marta: The Absolute Record

Brazilian women’s football icon Marta scored 17 World Cup goals between 2003 and 2023 — making her, until last week, the all-time leading scorer at FIFA World Cups across both men’s and women’s tournaments. Messi has now eclipsed even that mark.

FIFA officially confirmed the milestone in a statement, noting that Messi’s 18 goals across six tournaments make him the most prolific World Cup scorer in the competition’s 96-year history.

The Argentina Story: Defending Champions on the Charge

Argentina entered the 2026 World Cup as defending champions and were drawn into Group C alongside Austria, Algeria and a North American underdog. They won the group with maximum nine points, scoring 11 goals in three matches.

Their Round of 32 opponent is one of the eight best third-placed teams — a manageable but not guaranteed fixture. From there the bracket potentially opens up to easier ties before a possible quarter-final or semi-final against Brazil, Germany or France.

Messi’s Future: The Final Bow?

This is almost certainly Messi’s last World Cup. The Inter Miami forward has previously hinted that 2026 would be his final appearance for the national team in a major tournament. At 39, his role has subtly shifted — he plays deeper, conserves energy, and times his runs into the box for cleaner finishes rather than the dribbling theatre of his Barcelona prime.

Whether Argentina go on to win back-to-back World Cups or fall short, Messi’s 18-goal record will define this tournament more than any single result.

How the Golden Boot Race Looks Now

With 5 goals in this tournament alone, Messi also leads the 2026 Golden Boot race. Brazil’s Vinicius Junior (4 goals) and Norway’s Erling Haaland (4) sit one behind; France’s Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé both have 4 after Dembélé’s lightning hat-trick against Norway.

The Golden Boot — awarded to the tournament’s top scorer — has not been won by an Argentine since Mario Kempes in 1978. Messi has the chance to add that final piece to a unique CV.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many goals has Messi scored in World Cup history?

As of June 27, 2026, Lionel Messi has scored 18 goals across six FIFA World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026), making him the all-time leading scorer in tournament history.

Whose record did Messi break?

Messi broke two records in close succession: Miroslav Klose’s men’s record of 16 goals, then Marta’s overall record of 17 goals — taking him to 18 in total.

Is Messi playing his last World Cup in 2026?

Messi has hinted that 2026 will be his final World Cup appearance. He turns 40 next year and has confirmed he intends to focus on club football with Inter Miami after this tournament.

How many goals does Messi need to win the 2026 Golden Boot?

Messi currently leads the 2026 Golden Boot race with 5 goals. With six knockout rounds remaining, players like Mbappé, Haaland, Vinicius Jr and Dembélé could still overtake him.