Magnificent Messi makes history, breaks all-time World Cup scoring record

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Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 group match against Austria in Arlington, Texas, on Monday. The goal, his 17th at a World Cup, broke the all-time scoring record for a man. And then he scored a second time. Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images hide caption

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Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images

Argentine soccer superstar Lionel Messi has broken the record for most World Cup scoring.

Cape Verde's midfielder Kevin Pina celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during a World Cup match against Uruguay in Miami Gardens, Fla., on Sunday. Cape Verde played Uruguay to a 2-2 draw.

Messi made the record goal, his 17th, during the first half of Monday's game against Austria. And then, in the second half, near the end of the match in stoppage time, Messi scored yet another goal, finishing off at 2-0.

Messi, the team captain, started off the World Cup with a bang: in the team's opening game against Algeria, he scored a hat trick: three goals. A rare feat in soccer. He has scored all five goals for Argentina this World Cup. With the win, Argentina advances to the knockout round.

Messi also surpassed Brazilian superstar Marta, who had scored 17 goals at the Women's World Cup.