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FIFA live: "Immortal" Messi breaks all-time world Cup record
SEN • June 23rd, 2026 8:09 am
- Argentina 2-0 Austria 3am AEST
- France v Iraq 7am
- Norway v Senegal 10am
- Jordan v Algeria 1pm
World Cup daily news. We will bring you the latest from around the world as the FIFA World Cup 2026™ finally gets under way (All times AEST).
MESSI MAKES HISTORY
Three words we seem to keep on writing about the great Argentine. He went into his side's clash with Austria level in the men's standings with Miroslav Klose and one off equalling Brazilian legend Marta's tally of 17 in the women's.
Well he scored a brace didn't he just so there was no more equalling of records but instead he now stands as the out and out all-time World Cup top scorer with 18!
He could have gone one better if it weren't for this missed penalty - David Alaba doing what he could for Austria in goal.
Messi also became joined Just Fontaine (1958) and Brazil's Jairzinho (1970) as the only three players to score in six consecutive World Cup matches.
Victory secured Argentina their spot in the knock-out stage as they look to defend their title.
"To be honest, I’m really happy about the win, especially as it’s such a crucial victory, hard-fought and well-earned, but one that gives us peace of mind for what lies ahead," Messi said afterwards.
"This is the World Cup; it was a very evenly matched, very intense match, and we’re happy to have picked up six points and to have already qualified."
There was one other bit of history but it won't be quite as welcomed - Messi has now missed more penalties than any other World Cup player.
Lauded by his peers.
"He is the a class above. I don't have the words. It is a great feeling that he is Argentinian. We have to cherish him. We deserved the win today," said Lisandro Martinez.
Julian Alvarez added: "There isn't much to do say – we can all see that he (Messi) is the best in the world. I am helping the team as much as I can. We have started with our foot on the accelerator and we have to carry on like this."
MEN'S TOP WORLD CUP SCORERS
- 18 Lionel Messi (Argentina, 2006-2026)
- 16 Miroslav Klose (Germany, 2002-2014)
- 15 Ronaldo (Brazil, 1994-2006)
- 14 Gerd Muller (West Germany, 1970-1974)
- 14 Kylian Mbappe (France, 2018-2026)
