Just when it seemed there were no records left for Lionel Messi to break, the Argentine superstar added another chapter to one of the greatest careers in sports history.
Already the only men's player to appear in six FIFA World Cups, Messi became the tournament's all-time leading scorer on June 22 when he netted his 17th career World Cup goal against Austria, surpassing German great Miroslav Klose's record of 16. The achievement adds to a resume that includes a World Cup championship, multiple Copa América titles, eight Ballon d'Or awards and numerous international scoring records.
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The historic goal came during Argentina's Group J match against Austria in Dallas. Messi helped initiate the attack before finishing it himself with a trademark left-footed strike that gave the defending champions a 1-0 lead. It was his fourth goal of the 2026 tournament and extended a remarkable scoring streak that has stretched across six consecutive World Cup matches.
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The latest milestone is only the newest addition to a career filled with record-breaking moments. Messi captained Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title in Qatar and became the first player to score in every round of a single World Cup knockout stage. He also holds Argentina's records for appearances and goals while continuing to perform at an elite level just days before his 39th birthday.
Earlier in this year's tournament, Messi opened Argentina's title defense with a hat trick against Algeria, tying Klose's mark before claiming sole possession of the record against Austria.
The goal also places Messi alongside Brazilian women's soccer legend Marta, who has scored 17 career Women's World Cup goals, giving the Argentine icon a share of the overall World Cup scoring record across both the men's and women's tournaments.
For soccer fans around the world, the moment served as another reminder that Messi's extraordinary career is still evolving. While many athletes spend their final years protecting their legacy, Messi continues to expand his, adding new achievements to a career that has already secured its place among the greatest in sports history.
As Argentina pursues another World Cup title, the man many consider the greatest soccer player of all time has once again proven that history is never quite finished when Lionel Messi is on the field.
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