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The Argentine star Lionel Messi wrote another golden page in the history of world football by becoming the top scorer in World Cups, after scoring his 17th goal in Argentina’s victory over Austria during the 2026 World Cup.
n” “nWith this goal, the captain of the Argentine national team surpassed the mark of 16 goals held by the German Miroslav Klose, who until now led the all-time top scorers table in the World Cups.
n” “nThe goal against Austria allowed Messi to reach an unprecedented figure after playing in six editions of the World Cup, further consolidating his legacy as one of the most important players in the history of football.
n” “nThe Argentine’s goal-scoring trajectory in the World Cups began in Germany 2006, when he scored his first goal against Serbia and Montenegro during the group stage. In South Africa 2010, despite arriving as one of the main stars of the tournament, he did not manage to score any goals.
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n” “nHis prominence returned in Brazil 2014, where he had an outstanding performance and scored against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iran, and Nigeria, guiding Argentina to the tournament final and winning the competition’s Golden Ball.
In Russia 2018, the Argentine national team had a discreet performance and Messi was only able to score against Nigeria in the group stage, before the team’s elimination in the round of 16 against France.
n” “nThe definitive consecration arrived in Qatar 2022, when he led Argentina to the conquest of its third World Cup. In that tournament, he scored goals against Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Australia, the Netherlands, Croatia, and France, including a brace in the final.
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During the current 2026 World Cup, Messi has already accumulated four goals. Three of them he achieved against Algeria and the remaining one against Austria, a goal that allowed him to set a new historical record and become the top scorer in World Cup history.
n” “nAt 39 years old, the Argentine captain continues to expand his legacy and reaffirm his place among the greatest legends of the sport, leaving a mark that will remain forever recorded in the history of the World Cups.
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