In a moment where numbers transform into poetry, Lionel Messi became the greatest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history. Last Monday in Arlington, Texas, the world witnessed a 38-year-old player reach a milestone no man or woman has ever achieved.
Against Austria, Messi scored his 17th and 18th World Cup goals, surpassing Miroslav Klose’s men’s record of 16 and Marta’s overall record of 17. His curled finish in the 38th minute followed by a stoppage-time rebound sealed Argentina’s 2-0 victory and his place in football history.
At 38 years old, Messi is now the outright top scorer in World Cup history with 18 goals. He is doing this right now, in his record sixth World Cup tournament.
From Hat-Trick Glory to Historic Records
Messi’s record-breaking journey began in Argentina’s opening match against Algeria on June 16. There, he scored his first World Cup hat-trick, equaling Klose’s 16-goal record. At 38 years and 357 days, Messi became the oldest male player to net a hat-trick at the World Cup, beating Cristiano Ronaldo’s previous mark.
Six days later against Austria, Messi added two more goals. After missing a penalty in the eighth minute, he redeemed himself with a stunning finish for his 17th goal, then added an 18th in stoppage time. This brace made him the first player to score in six consecutive World Cup matches.
Key achievements from these two games include:
- Becoming the all-time top scorer in World Cup history with 18 goals
- Setting the record as oldest male hat-trick scorer at 38 years old
- Scoring all five of Argentina’s tournament goals so far
- Joining Just Fontaine and Jairzinho as players with goals in six consecutive World Cups
What These Numbers Truly Represent
To grasp the magnitude of Messi’s achievement, consider his two-decade career. His first World Cup goal came on June 16, 2006, at age 18 against Serbia and Montenegro. Twenty years later, he is the first player to appear in six different men’s World Cup editions.
Messi is also the second man to score four or more goals in three different World Cup tournaments, after Klose (2002, 2006, 2010). Remarkably, he is the only man to score four-plus goals at age 38 or older, joining Roger Milla in this exclusive category.
| Player | World Cup Goals | Tournaments | Notable Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lionel Messi | 18 | 6 (2006-2026) | All-time top scorer; oldest hat-trick scorer |
| Miroslav Klose | 16 | 4 (2002-2014) | Previous men’s record holder |
| Marta | 17 | 5 (2003-2019) | Previous overall record holder (women) |
| Kylian Mbappé | 16 | 3 (2018-2026) | Second all-time; still active |
| Roger Milla | 4 | 2 (1982, 1994) | Only man to score 4+ at age 38+ |
His teammates have recognized his indispensability. After the Austria victory, midfielder Alexis Mac Allister stated, “If anyone thought this group was better off without Leo, today it became clear that Leo is the most important of them all.”
The Mbappé Challenge Looms
Messi’s record may face immediate pressure. Kylian Mbappé currently holds 16 World Cup goals, sitting second all-time behind only Messi. The French captain remains in the tournament with France as genuine contenders, meaning the gap could narrow rapidly.
However, at this moment, Messi leads the pack. The question is how many more goals he can add before his final World Cup concludes.
Messi’s efficiency is remarkable: 12 of his 18 goals came after age 35, with 14 scored using his left foot and four from outside the penalty area. He has also become the tournament’s top chance creator with 76 opportunities.
Why This Matters for Canadian Fans
Beyond the spectacle, Canadian soccer fans should watch Messi’s form closely. Argentina, the defending world champions, are potential opponents deep in the tournament. They have won all group matches, conceded zero goals, and appear to be the team to beat.
If Canada navigates the round of 32 and beyond, Messi and Argentina could be waiting. Understanding what they face—a 38-year-old playing at his peak, surrounded by world-class talent—is essential, not just interesting.
Watch Argentina vs. Jordan tonight at 10 p.m. ET on TSN. Messi will almost certainly be on the pitch. If recent form continues, history may be made again.
For more on Messi’s incredible journey, visit ESPN’s coverage of World Cup 2026 stats.