Messi becomes World Cup's all-time top scorer with brace against Austria at 38

Lionel Messi became the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history on Monday, 22 June, netting twice for Argentina against Austria at Dallas Stadium to move his tournament tally to 18 goals across six separate competitions.

The 38-year-old, who turns 39 on Wednesday, surpassed the previous record with a performance that underlined why he remains central to Argentina’s campaign despite his age. The brace extended a record that now stands entirely alone at the summit of the sport’s most prestigious tournament.

Argentina fans gathered at Dallas Stadium described the experience of watching Messi in person as “euphoric”, reflecting on what the side might look like without him. For many, the occasion carried a weight beyond the result — the awareness that opportunities to see Messi at a World Cup are running out.

Several supporters spoke to the sense that his presence transforms not just the team’s chances but the emotional stakes of every match. Questions about Argentina’s identity beyond the Messi era surfaced naturally in those conversations, with fans acknowledging the difficulty of imagining the national side without him at its core.

Messi’s record now spans six World Cup tournaments, a feat that reflects both extraordinary longevity and consistent performance at the highest level of international football.