Lionel Messi once again etched his name into the annals of global soccer history on Monday. With a brace against Austria at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas, the Argentine superstar secured a 2-0 victory for his team and positioned himself alongside Just Fontaine and Jairzinho as the only three players to score in six consecutive World Cup matches.
The Argentine captain found the net in the 38th minute and then sealed the game in stoppage time (90+5), bringing his World Cup tally to 18 goals. This feat surpasses the longstanding record held by Miroslav Klose (16 goals), firmly establishing Messi as the tournament's all-time leading scorer.
Messi's remarkable streak spans across two different World Cup tournaments. In Qatar 2022, he scored in the knockout stages against Australia, the quarterfinals against the Netherlands, the semis versus Croatia, and the final against France. Continuing his form into the 2026 World Cup, he kicked off with a hat-trick in Argentina's opener against Algeria on June 17 at the Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, marking his first World Cup hat-trick, and followed up with a double against Austria.
Fontaine achieved this milestone during the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, scoring in each of France's six matches, totaling a record 13 goals in a single tournament. Jairzinho matched this achievement in Mexico 1970, finding the net in all six of Brazil's matches, contributing seven goals.
In contrast, Messi's achievement spans two tournaments, highlighting his extraordinary consistency and longevity as a goal scorer.
The double against Austria also marked his 202nd appearance for the Argentine national team, in which he has scored a record 122 goals. At 39 years old, Messi holds an unparalleled collection of World Cup records: 27 matches played, surpassing Lothar Matthäus, and the distinction of being the first player to participate in six different World Cup editions, from Germany 2006 to the current tournament held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Messi also boasts the highest number of direct goal involvements—combining goals and assists—in the history of the tournament.
The victory over Austria secured Argentina's progression to the next round, positioning them at the top of Group J with two wins in two matches.
Messi equaled Klose's record with his hat-trick against Algeria on June 17 and surpassed it with his first goal against Austria, completing a cycle many thought was beyond reach.
Meanwhile, Algeria, Argentina's opening opponent in the 2026 World Cup, is set to face Jordan at the Levi's Stadium in San Francisco on Monday, in a match that will determine Group J's qualification prospects.
Messi's World Cup Journey: Key Questions Answered
How many goals has Messi scored in World Cups?
As of now, Lionel Messi has scored 18 goals in World Cup tournaments, making him the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history.
What is Messi's record for consecutive World Cup matches with goals?
Messi has scored in six consecutive World Cup matches, joining legends Just Fontaine and Jairzinho in achieving this remarkable feat.
Which World Cup records does Messi hold?
Messi holds several World Cup records, including the most goals scored, participation in six editions, and the highest number of direct goal involvements in the tournament's history.