Lionel Messi: Argentina star breaks World Cup scoring record with goal against Austria at 2026 World Cup

Lionel Messi has broken Miroslav Klose's record as the all-time leading goalscorer at a World Cup; the Argentina star scored a hat-trick against Algeria in the 2026 World Cup opener to match the 16-goal record; his strikes against Austria took him into the lead

Monday 22 June 2026 20:18, UK

Argentina star Lionel Messi has broken Miroslav Klose's all-time scoring record at a World Cup after his two goals against Austria.

The forward - competing at his record-equalling sixth World Cup - had matched the 16-goal record set by the Germany international with his hat-trick in the opening game against Algeria.

He then followed this up with two goals against Austria - breaking the record and taking him two clear at the top of the standings.

Messi's first goal was a wonderful left-footed finish to put his team ahead in Arlington in the 39th minute.

His second goal came in second-half injury time when Argentina caught Austria on the counter, with the 38-year-old sending through Julian Alvarez, who saw his shot blocked, before Messi put the rebound in.

The brace takes Messi, the Argentine captain, to five goals in the 2026 World Cup.

There were great celebrations at full-time, but the Inter Miami's forward had a terrible start to the game, missing a penalty inside 10 minutes, skewing his attempt wide of the right-hand post. He then missed a few other chances before finally finding the net.

Argentina, the defending World Cup champions, have secured their place in the round of 32 with victory over Austria, with Messi having at least one more guaranteed game to extend his lead. They face Jordan next on Sunday June 28 in the final Group J game.

And Klose - who scored his last World Cup goal in 2014 against Brazil in that famous 7-1 semi-final win - could find himself bumped further down the table by another player at the 2026 World Cup. Kylian Mbappe has 14 World Cup goals, two behind Klose's former record.

Analysis: Messi show goes on

Sky Sports' Adam Bate:

Four of Messi's 18 World Cup goals have been penalties but maybe it was more appropriate that the record-breaking effort came as it did. A late run into the box picked out by a smart pull-back and dispatching low into the near corner. Vintage Messi.

He is a different player now. But no less remarkable. In fact, shorn of pace and about to turn 39, it is even more improbable that he is able to do what he does. He has become the first man in over half a century to score in six consecutive World Cup matches.

Much is made of how this team is built to serve him. But the tactic is working. The policy is proving less successful for Portugal, while perhaps Spain could look to Lamine Yamal more than they are doing. Argentina have found the sweet spot.

This was not even Messi's best performance of this World Cup but he could still have scored five. And this was a test. A rare appearance for him of late against European opposition - with Ralf Rangnick's Austria playing a physical, pressing game as well.

It was awkward for Messi and Argentina at times. The space that he had been afforded against Algeria was absent. Sometimes there were five Austria players around him as soon as he received the ball. But that meant there was space elsewhere. He found it.

A first-time pass here, a wriggle free there. It opened the pitch for the penalty won and missed, and the first goal that he scored. Test passed by Argentina. History made by Messi. Eighteen goals now but how many more still to come before the curtain comes down?

A place in the knockout stage has already been booked, although it would be a shock if Messi is not given the chance to add to his total against Jordan. What do you get the man who has everything? Maybe the Golden Boot? The Messi show just goes on and on.

Messi's record-breaking World Cup so far in numbers...

Scoring against Austria means Messi becomes just the third player in World Cup history to score in six consecutive games after France's Just Fontaine in 1958 and Brazil's Jairzinho in 1970.
Lionel Messi has scored 5 goals in the 2025 World Cup (2 in this game), more than any other player.
At the age of 38 years and 357 days, Messi became the oldest hat-trick scorer in World Cup history against Algeria. The previous oldest was Cristiano Ronaldo who was 33 years and 130 days when he scored a treble against Spain in 2018.
His hat-trick against Algeria also saw Messi become the highest-scoring South American at tournament, surpassing Brazil legend Ronaldo (15).