SOCCER: Messi becomes all top scorer at any men's or women's World Cup with 18th goal

Lionel Messi became the all-time top scorer in World Cup history across men’s and women’s competition after netting his 18th goal for Argentina against Austria, moving past Marta.

REUTERS

June 23, 2026

SOCCER: Messi becomes all top scorer at any men's or women's World Cup with 18th goal

Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates scoring their first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match between Argentina and Austria at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, US on June 22, 2026.

Troy Taormina / Reuters

DALLAS — Lionel Messi became the all-time leading scorer in men’s and women’s FIFA World Cup history on Monday after netting his 18th career goal during Argentina’s match against Austria.

The milestone strike came after Messi had earlier opened the scoring in the same game, allowing him to move ahead of Brazil’s Marta, with whom he had been level on World Cup goals heading into the match.

The record-setting goal further cements Messi’s legacy on the sport’s biggest stage, adding another landmark achievement to his international career with Argentina.

Argentina went on to control the match against Austria in a strong performance that reinforced their status as one of the tournament favorites.

Messi’s latest milestone adds to a growing list of World Cup records as he continues to deliver on football’s grandest stage. -Writing by Julien Pretot, Editing by Ken Ferris/Reuters