Lionel Messi is now the all-time top goalscorer in the history of the FIFA World Cup.

Lionel Messi has once again carved his name into history on the global World Football stage. The veteran Argentina National Team striker has officially become the all-time top goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history, with a tally of 18 goals from 28 matches played.

This record was broken after Messi netted two goals during Argentina's victory over Austria in the 2026 World Cup Group J fixture early Tuesday morning. With these two additional goals, the La Albiceleste captain overtook the long-standing legendary record previously held by Miroslav Klose.

Per official FIFA records, Messi now occupies the number one position on the all-time World Cup tournament goalscorer ranking with 18 goals. He holds a two-goal lead over the former German striker Miroslav Klose, who accumulated 16 goals across 24 career World Cup matches.

This milestone marks a new chapter in Messi's exceptional World Cup career journey. His run at the tournament began almost two decades ago, when he made his first World Cup appearance at the 2006 edition hosted in Germany.

Back then, the young Messi captured global attention after scoring his maiden World Cup goal against Serbia-Montenegro. That single goal marked the start of a legacy that would eventually cement his status as an all-time great of the world's largest World Football tournament.

Yet Messi did not always find consistent scoring form across World Cup final tournaments. At the 2010 World Cup held in South Africa, he failed to register a single goal despite Argentina advancing to the Quarter Finals.

Four years later on Brazilian soil, Messi returned to sharp form with four tournament goals, leading Argentina's campaign all the way to the final match before the side finished as tournament runners-up.

At the 2018 Russia World Cup, Messi's goal output dropped once again. He scored only one goal that tournament, as Argentina were knocked out at the Round of 16.

Messi's crowning World Cup achievement arrived at the 2022 Qatar edition. He scored seven goals that tournament and captained Argentina to lift the World Cup trophy.

Now competing at the 2026 World Cup, Messi continues to display elite class even as he enters the final stage of his professional playing career.

As of the end of the group stage, Messi has already scored 5 goals at this tournament. He retains the opportunity to extend his goals tally further, with Argentina having already confirmed qualification for the Round of 32.

All-Time FIFA World Cup Top Goalscorers Ranking

1. Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 18 goals (28 matches)

2. Miroslav Klose (Germany) – 16 goals (24 matches)

3. Ronaldo Nazário (Brazil) – 15 goals (19 matches)

4. Gerd Müller (Germany) – 14 goals (13 matches)

5. Kylian Mbappé (France) – 15 goals (16 matches)