Messi now highest goalscorer in FIFA world cup history, records most missed penalties

Argentina captain Lionel Messi added another historic milestone to his legendary career after becoming the FIFA World Cup’s all-time leading men’s goalscorer during Argentina’s 2-0 win over Austria in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Messi scored both goals in the Group J clash to take his World Cup tally to 18, surpassing former Germany striker Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 goals. The achievement came in Messi’s sixth FIFA World Cup campaign, making him the first men’s player to feature in six editions of the tournament (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026).

The 38-year-old has enjoyed a remarkable start to the tournament, leading the scoring charts with five goals in Argentina’s opening two matches. He began his campaign with a hat-trick against Algeria before scoring a record-breaking brace against Austria, helping Argentina qualify for the Round of 32.

However, before reaching the historic milestone, Messi also registered an unwanted World Cup record. Argentina earned an early penalty after Lautaro Martinez was fouled inside the box, with the spot-kick awarded following a VAR review. Messi stepped up in the eighth minute but sent his effort wide of the post.

The miss was Messi’s third penalty failure in regular play at the FIFA World Cup, excluding penalty shootouts, making him the player with the most missed penalties in the tournament’s history. He moved ahead of former Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan, who had missed two penalties. Messi’s previous World Cup penalty misses came against Iceland in 2018 and Poland in 2022.

His latest achievement further strengthens his legacy as one of football’s greatest players, with the opportunity to extend his World Cup goals record as Argentina progresses to the knockout stage.