Lionel Messi delivered yet another historic night at FIFA World Cup 2026, breaking two significant records as Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 to advance to the round of 32 and virtually seal top spot in Group J.

Record World Cup goalscorer

Heading into the tournament, Messi stood on 13 World Cup goals — three behind Germany legend Miroslav Klose, the previous all-time record holder. By the end of Argentina's opener against Algeria, Messi had drawn level. Then, against Austria, he surpassed Klose before half-time, and added an 18th goal in stoppage time to extend his landmark tally.

All five of Argentina's goals in the group stage — across the Algeria and Austria fixtures — were scored by the captain himself. Remarkably, Messi achieved this tally while even missing a penalty along the way.

Klose, along with other greats such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Gerd Müller, is long retired. France forward Kylian Mbappé moved to within three goals of Messi almost immediately, but for now, the Inter Miami captain stands alone atop the all-time World Cup scoring list.

Most World Cup matches won

The records did not stop at goals. Messi entered the Austria game level with Klose for the most World Cup matches won — a figure that stood at 17 for both men. His two goals helped Argentina clinch the win, handing Messi sole ownership of that record with 18 victories, one ahead of Klose.

Brazil's Cafu sits third with 16 wins, while a group of five players — Wolfgang Overath, Ronaldo, Philipp Lahm, Bastian Schweinsteiger, and Lothar Matthaus — have each won 15 World Cup matches.

Messi, who shares the record for most World Cups played with Cristiano Ronaldo — both having featured in every tournament since Germany 2006 — has also appeared in the most World Cup matches overall, with 28, ahead of Matthaus (25), Klose (24), Maldini, and Ronaldo (23).

Just weeks before his 39th birthday, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner continues to rewrite football history one match at a time.