Lionel Messi has become the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history, netting his 17th and 18th goals in Argentina's 2-0 victory over Austria. He now holds the record, surpassing Miroslav Klose's previous tally.
Messi's Historic Milestone
Lionel Messi became the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history on Monday, netting twice in Argentina's 2-0 victory over Austria in Dallas. The 38-year-old captain surpassed Germany's Miroslav Klose's record of 16 goals with his 17th and 18th tallies, moving clear as the tournament's most prolific scorer.
Messi's first goal came in the 38th minute, while his second sealed the win in stoppage time.
Controversy and Team Dynamics
Austria coach Ralf Rangnick questioned the legitimacy of the first goal, citing a potential foul on Xaver Schlager, but referee Amin Omar allowed it to stand. Despite the loss, Austria remains in contention for the knockout rounds after their earlier win over Jordan.
Meanwhile, France's Kylian Mbappé scored his 15th World Cup goal in a 1-0 victory over Iraq, tying him for third place on the all-time list with Brazil's Ronaldo. Messi's record-breaking performance came amid personal challenges, including his father's ongoing medical treatment.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni praised Messi's commitment and leadership, though he expressed fatigue over constant media focus on the star player. Scaloni highlighted the team's resilience, noting their ability to overcome defensive challenges posed by Austria.
Legacy and Future
Messi's achievement adds to his already storied career, which includes eight Ballon d'Or awards, a World Cup title in 2022, and numerous club accolades. His longevity and consistency across six World Cup tournaments have redefined expectations for players in their late 30s.