In the rare world where numbers transform into legends, Lionel Messi has achieved something no athlete has ever done. At 38 years old, he is now the all-time leading World Cup goalscorer, surpassing every male and female player in history.
During Argentina’s match against Austria in Arlington, Texas, Messi delivered two stunning goals: a curled finish in the 38th minute and a determined rebound in stoppage time. These brought his total to 18 World Cup goals, breaking the records of Miroslav Klose (men) and Marta (women). He is now the undisputed top scorer of the FIFA World Cup, regardless of gender.
Key Milestones in Messi’s Historic Run
- Became the first player to appear in six different men’s World Cups
- Scored his first-ever World Cup hat-trick against Algeria on June 16
- At 38 years and 357 days, became the oldest player to score a World Cup hat-trick
- Reached 16 goals to tie Klose, then surpassed him with goals against Austria
- Joined Roger Milla as the only men to score four or more goals in a World Cup at age 38+
The Hat-Trick That Started It All
Messi’s record-breaking journey began in Argentina’s opening match against Algeria. He scored three goals in that game—his first hat-trick in a World Cup—tying Klose’s long-standing mark of 16 goals. This feat also made him the oldest player ever to score a World Cup hat-trick, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo, who was 33 when he scored against Spain in 2018.
Six days later, against Austria, Messi added two more goals. Despite missing a penalty early in the match, he recovered to score a beautiful curler in the 38th minute and a late rebound. His total climbed to 18, cementing his status as the greatest World Cup scorer ever.
What These Numbers Mean
Messi’s first World Cup goal came on June 16, 2006, when he was just 18 years old, playing against Serbia and Montenegro. Twenty years later, he continues to redefine what is possible in sports. He is not only the first player to feature in six men’s World Cups but also the second man to score four or more goals in three different tournaments.
His teammates have run out of praise. After the Austria win, midfielder Alexis Mac Allister said: “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 Chase
Messi’s record may not stand forever. Kylian Mbappé currently has 16 World Cup goals, placing him second all-time behind Messi. With France still in the tournament and looking like genuine contenders, the gap could narrow quickly.
However, for now, Messi leads by two goals, and the question remains: how many more will he add before his final World Cup ends?
Why This Matters for Global Fans
Beyond the spectacle, there is a practical reason for soccer fans worldwide to track Messi’s form: Argentina are potential opponents deep in the tournament. The defending world champions have won all their group matches, conceded zero goals, and appear unstoppable.
- Argentina has a 38-year-old playing the soccer of his life
- They are surrounded by a squad of world-class talent
- If teams advance past the round of 32, Messi and Argentina could be waiting
Understanding what they face is not just interesting—it is essential.
Watch tonight’s Argentina vs. Jordan match at 10 p.m. ET on TSN. Messi will almost certainly be on the pitch. If recent form is any guide, history may be made again.
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