Messi's Record-Breaking Journey Is A Testament To Enduring Excellence
- By Thetripurapost Web Desk, Texas, USA
- Jun 23, 2026
- 144
Argentina Captain Lionel Messi Breaks Miroslav Klose's Record, Fires Team Into Round of 32
Argentina captain Lionel Messi etched his name deeper into football history after becoming the highest goal scorer in FIFA World Cup history. The legendary forward surpassed former Germany striker Miroslav Klose's record during Argentina's crucial 2-0 victory over Austria at Dallas Stadium.
Messi, who entered the match needing just one goal to equal Klose's tally of 16 World Cup goals, achieved the feat in spectacular fashion by scoring in the 39th minute. He later added another goal in stoppage time to take his overall World Cup tally to 18 goals, setting a new all-time record.
The victory also ensured defending champions Argentina secured qualification for the Round of 32 of the ongoing FIFA World Cup.
Messi Continues Stunning Goal-Scoring Form
The 38-year-old football superstar has been in sensational form throughout the tournament. Having already netted a hat-trick against Algeria in Argentina's previous fixture, Messi now leads the Golden Boot race with five goals.
Germany forward Deniz Undav remains his closest challenger with three goals.
Missed Penalty Creates Another World Cup Record
Messi had an opportunity to break the scoring record much earlier in the contest. Argentina were awarded a penalty in the ninth minute after Lautaro Martinez was fouled inside the penalty area by an Austrian defender.
However, Messi surprisingly missed from the spot, sending his effort wide. The miss saw him become the first player in FIFA World Cup history to fail from the penalty spot three times, surpassing Ghana legend Asamoah Gyan, who had previously missed two penalties.
Despite the setback, Messi remained a constant threat. Austria's defence blocked another attempt in the 18th minute, while goalkeeper David Alaba produced an outstanding goal-line save to deny the Argentine captain.
Messi's Historic Goal Breaks Klose's Record
Argentina finally broke the deadlock in the 39th minute when Thiago Almada initiated a move down the left flank. Facundo Medina then delivered a precise pass to Messi at the edge of the penalty area.
The Argentine skipper responded with a brilliant left-footed strike into the bottom corner, scoring his 17th World Cup goal and overtaking Miroslav Klose as the tournament's all-time top scorer.
Stoppage-Time Goal Seals Victory
Argentina wrapped up the win in the 95th minute through another moment of Messi brilliance. Julian Alvarez's initial effort was saved, but Messi reacted quickest to the rebound and powered the ball past two defenders.
The late strike marked his second goal of the match and fifth of the tournament.
Goals in Six Consecutive World Cup Matches
Messi also joined an elite list by scoring in six successive World Cup matches. He now shares the record with France legend Just Fontaine and Brazilian great Jairzinho.
First World Cup Hat-Trick of Messi's Career
Earlier in the tournament, Messi scored his maiden FIFA World Cup hat-trick during Argentina's 3-0 victory over Algeria.
The Argentine icon found the net in the 17th, 60th and 76th minutes, becoming the oldest player ever to score a World Cup hat-trick. He eclipsed Cristiano Ronaldo's previous record set during the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Messi has now registered 11 hat-tricks for Argentina in international football.
Messi's Extraordinary World Cup Journey
Messi made his FIFA World Cup debut on June 16, 2006, against Serbia and Montenegro at just 18 years of age and scored in his very first appearance.
Twenty years later, the football legend has become the tournament's greatest goal scorer while also becoming the first player in history to feature in six FIFA World Cups.
He additionally holds the record for the highest number of World Cup appearances, having played 28 matches.
Playing Amid Family Health Concerns
Messi was visibly emotional after scoring against Algeria and later revealed he had been dealing with personal challenges away from football.
According to family members, his father Jorge Messi has been undergoing treatment for an undisclosed illness. Following the match, the Argentine captain admitted he had been experiencing a difficult period off the field.
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