Lionel Messi broke the record. The Argentina icon put his team ahead against Austria and became the highest scorer in World Cup history in a moment that will be relived for generations.
Argentina were awarded a penalty early on, and the stage was set for Messi to make history from early on, but the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner showed his human side as he sent the spot kick wide of the target, temporarily putting him out of reach of the record.
Lionel Messi’s record breaking goal against Austria
It was as if the moment was passing him by. Austria defended solidly, and the tension in the stadium increased with each passing minute.
But Messi being Messi refused to be denied. Thirty minutes after his penalty miss, the 38-year-old produced a superbly composed shot from the edge of the box, giving the goalkeeper no chance.
This goal means that Messi stands alone at the top of World Cup history.
Messi makes World Cup history
This record-breaking goal was the culmination of a great tournament for the Argentina captain.
He scored a hat-trick in the opening group stage game against Algeria, tying Germany legend Miroslav Klose with 16 World Cup goals, a record many thought would never be surpassed.
Tonight, he went beyond that. And given his current form, he may end the World Cup season with numbers that others won’t be able to match.
| # | player | nation | the goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | lionel messi | Argentina | 17 |
| 2 | Miroslav Klose | Germany | 16 |
| 3 | ronaldo | Brazil | 15 |
| 4 | Gerd Muller | west germany | 14 |
| 5 | Just Fontaine | France | 13 |
World Cup all-time top scorer
The match against Austria is still on and Messi will be hungry for more challenges. But no matter what happens from here, the boy from Rosario will forever be etched in World Cup history and no one can take that away from him.
