World Cup 2026 Player of the Day - Day 12: Messi Strengthens His Claim to GOAT Tag
Tom Hancock
It just had to be Lionel Messi. Argentina’s talismanic genius is now the all-time leading World Cup scorer, moving to 17 goals in the competition – and five at this tournament alone – with a brace in his country’s 2-0 Group J victory over Austria to send them into the Round of 32.
Argentina made it two wins from two at the start of their title defence – and Messi has scored all five of their goals in the process, opening his joint record sixth World Cup campaign in style by hitting a hat-trick against Algeria.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner surpassed Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 World Cup goals when he swept home Facundo Medina’s cutback to break the deadlock in Dallas – having earlier dragged a penalty wide.
And he made sure of the three points for the world champions deep into stoppage time at the end of the game, showing characteristic determination and composure to finish from close range after seeing his initial effort blocked.
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Messi – who will have turned 39 by the time Argentina play their final group match against Jordan – has now scored at three World Cups, notching his first goal against Serbia and Montenegro back in 2006.
He struck seven times – including twice in the final – during Argentina’s triumphant campaign four years ago as the Albiceleste lifted the trophy for the first time.
The Barcelona legend, who has been playing his club football in the USA with Inter Miami since 2023, has now found the net a total of 122 times in 201 caps for his nation. Only his great contemporary Cristiano Ronaldo has scored more international goals (143 in 229 caps) – and you wouldn’t put it past Messi to close the gap.
READ MORE: What Date and Time do the World Cup 2026 Group Stage Matches Kick Off?
