Messi sets World Cup goals mark with No. 17

Lionel Messi became the leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history on Monday, scoring Argentina’s opening goal against Austria at the 2026 tournament, according to AFP. The goal took the Argentina captain to 17 World Cup goals across six editions, moving him beyond former Germany striker Miroslav Klose’s mark.

AFP reported that Messi scored in the 38th minute of Argentina’s second Group J match at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The match was part of Argentina’s title defence in the first World Cup staged in North America since Messi led his country to the trophy four years earlier.

Messi had drawn level with Klose at 16 goals last week, AFP reported, when he scored three times in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria to begin the campaign. He also missed a penalty earlier in that game.

The 38-year-old is appearing at his sixth World Cup, according to AFP. His first came in 2006, and his international record now stands at 121 goals in 201 appearances for Argentina.

AFP reported that Messi is the third player to score at six consecutive World Cups for his country. The goal against Austria put him clear of Klose on the all-time list, with Brazil’s Ronaldo next at 15 goals, followed by Gerd Muller and France forward Kylian Mbappe on 14.

Messi’s participation in the tournament had remained uncertain until late in the buildup, AFP reported. The Inter Miami forward had dealt with a hamstring issue before the World Cup, and after the Algeria match it emerged that his father was recovering from an unspecified health problem.

Alexis Mac Allister said after the win over Algeria that Messi remained central to Argentina’s team, according to AFP. The midfielder said any doubts over whether the group would be stronger without him had been answered, calling Messi the most important player in the squad.

Argentina entered the Austria match with a chance to move closer to the knockout stage, AFP reported. A win would secure qualification for the next round, while Argentina would also be guaranteed first place in Group J if Jordan failed to beat Algeria later Monday.

The record adds another entry to Messi’s World Cup career, which reached its peak when Argentina won the previous tournament. AFP reported that Argentina are seeking to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to retain the World Cup.

This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.