{"id":19141,"date":"2026-06-23T08:38:56","date_gmt":"2026-06-23T02:53:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eng.dragonmedia.com.np\/?p=19141"},"modified":"2026-06-23T08:38:56","modified_gmt":"2026-06-23T02:53:56","slug":"messi-makes-history-becomes-world-cups-all-time-leading-scorer-with-18-goals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eng.dragonmedia.com.np\/?p=19141","title":{"rendered":"Messi Makes History, Becomes World Cup\u2019s All-Time Leading Scorer with 18 Goals<\/strong>"},"content":{"rendered":"

Kathmandu \u2014 Argentina captain Lionel Messi has written his name into FIFA World Cup history by becoming the tournament\u2019s all-time leading scorer.<\/p>\n

The 38-year-old achieved the historic milestone by scoring Argentina\u2019s opening goal against Austria in their Group J match at Dallas Stadium in Texas, United States, on Monday night. Playing in his sixth World Cup, Messi has now taken his World Cup goal tally to 18.<\/p>\n

Messi scored in the 38th minute and added another goal in stoppage time, becoming the highest scorer in the history of both the men\u2019s and women\u2019s World Cups. He surpassed the previous record of 17 goals held by Brazil\u2019s legendary women\u2019s footballer Marta.<\/p>\n

Earlier last week, Messi had equalled German great Miroslav Klose\u2019s record of 16 World Cup goals after scoring a hat-trick in Argentina\u2019s 3\u20130 victory over Algeria. Against Austria, Messi missed an early penalty but later made history with his goals.<\/p>\n

Messi, who first played in the World Cup in 2006, has now made 201 appearances for Argentina and scored 121 goals for his country. He has also become the third player to score in six consecutive World Cups.<\/p>\n

Messi\u2019s outstanding form has strengthened Argentina\u2019s hopes of becoming the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back World Cup titles.<\/p>\n

Despite personal injury concerns and family difficulties, Messi\u2019s presence has continued to inspire the team. His father is understood to be unwell and undergoing treatment. Messi played despite a hamstring problem. Speaking about him, midfielder Alexis Mac Allister said, \u201cIf anyone thinks this team is better without Leo, today made it clear that Leo is the most important player for us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Messi, who currently plays club football for Inter Miami in the United States, had not confirmed until the final stage whether he would take part in this World Cup in North America. However, there had always been confidence that he would lead defending champions Argentina.<\/p>\n

The former Barcelona and PSG star played a decisive role in guiding Argentina to the World Cup title four years ago.<\/p>\n

In the all-time World Cup scoring list, Miroslav Klose is now second with 16 goals, Brazil\u2019s Ronaldo is third with 15 goals, while Germany\u2019s Gerd Muller and France\u2019s Kylian Mbappe are joint fourth with 14 goals each.<\/p>\n

With the win over Austria, Argentina have strengthened their chances of reaching the next round.<\/p>\n

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