Messi scores twice against Austria to become World Cup's all-time leading scorer

Lionel Messi became the FIFA World Cup’s all-time leading scorer on Monday, striking twice against Austria to take his tournament tally to 18 goals and guide Argentina to their second win of the 2026 group stage.

The 38-year-old’s double moved him clear of the previous record and underlined a form that, freed from the burden of chasing football’s biggest prize, looks as sharp as anything in his career. Argentina claimed the 2022 title, and Messi appears to be playing with a lightness that analysts and former players have been quick to note.

Clarence Seedorf, speaking after the match, was unequivocal in his admiration. “It’s a privilege to be able to witness his life,” the former Netherlands midfielder said. “Greatness is happening every time we see this guy. The question is, does he have any intention to stop? That last goal says so much about his ambition still.”

Seedorf pointed to Messi’s movement and desire in the build-up to his second goal as evidence of a mentality that sets him apart from teammates half a decade his junior. “He was more hungry than all the other players looking at the ball at that time. That says everything about his mentality. He’s on a different level — his reading of the match, when he needs to be activated, when he needs to help in defence. It’s brilliance all the time.”

Messi has indicated this tournament could be his last World Cup appearance. Seedorf hopes otherwise, arguing that the removal of the title-winning pressure has unlocked a purer version of the player. “That’s gone now. Now we’re seeing Messi really at the top of his game — the mindset, the reading of the match, the touches, the brilliance. We see it in everything, and the joy. I’m loving seeing him smile so much.”

One question hanging over Argentina is the absence of goals from anyone other than their captain. Peter Schmeichel acknowledged the pattern but was unconcerned, suggesting the reigning champions are deliberately building momentum rather than peaking early. “They are slowly building into the tournament. They know what it takes. They have the winning formula and you can read it through the matches.”

Seedorf echoed that view, pointing to the firepower still waiting to ignite. “It doesn’t worry me. It means that the other killers they have — like Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez — are still right there. We know all these guys can score goals. I’m sure when needed, other guys will stand up.”

With two wins from two and their talisman rewriting the record books, Argentina head into the knockout rounds as one of the tournament’s most formidable sides.