Messi breaks World Cup scoring record at 39 and refuses to rule out 2030

Lionel Messi is now the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history after netting twice in Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Austria at the 2026 tournament in North America, moving past Miroslav Klose’s previous record of 16 goals to reach 18 across six editions. The milestone arrived on the same week the Inter Miami forward turned 39.

Messi had already announced himself at the tournament with a hat-trick against Algeria in the opening group match — a performance that made him the oldest player to score a treble in World Cup history. His brace against Austria extended Argentina’s perfect start to the group stage, with all five of the Albiceleste’s goals so far coming from their captain.

When asked whether he could feature at the 2030 World Cup, which will mark the centenary of the competition, Messi declined to dismiss the idea outright. “I don’t know. The truth is, I’m not thinking about that right now. It seems a bit far off but, as I said, I’m living one day at a time and focused on the present,” he told reporters. He added: “I will continue for some time, as long as I can contribute, feel good physically, and help my teammates… I will keep playing.”

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was characteristically measured when reflecting on the record-breaking moment against Austria, noting that a missed penalty earlier in the match may have inadvertently set up his two goals. “The truth is that it is spectacular how it happened. Today I had the penalty that I could have increased the score with, but if I had scored the penalty, perhaps I wouldn’t have scored the other two. You never know, but I’m happy with the result.”

Messi’s physical condition has drawn as much attention as his goals. During his birthday celebrations at Argentina’s training base, he shared footage of himself performing pull-ups, underlining the conditioning work that continues to sustain his career at an age when most footballers have long since retired. Appearing at the 2030 World Cup would require him to still be playing at 43.