Lionel Messi breaks the all-time FIFA World Cup goalscoring record with the 17th goal

Lionel Messi further distinguished himself from the rest of soccer history on Monday when he set the record for most goals ever in the FIFA World Cup.

Messi stormed down the pitch behind Argentina’s attack. The Austrian defense seemed too focused on the ball and lost track of Messi as he filtered in behind them. Messi received the pass and fired the shot past the goalkeeper in the 38th minute to score.

WATCH THE WC FINAL ON FOX ONE

He has 17 World Cup goals in his career, passing Germany’s Miroslav Klose for the most ever. He may have held the record before. Messi conceded a penalty attempt around the 8th minute of the match. However, the shot went wide to the right.

Messi’s goal against Austria put Argentina ahead 1-0.

The goal comes amid a tough week for Messi and his family. Jorge Messi had to undergo medical treatment for an unknown illness last week. Messi’s family asked for “humanity” from the media.

Argentina’s Lionel Messi watches the ball during the World Cup Group J soccer match against Austria in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, on June 22, 2026. (Tony Gutierrez/AP Photo)

FOX ONE’S NEW WORLD CUP WATCHING EXPERIENCE

“Jorge is going through a health situation,” the Messi family said in a statement. “He is currently under medical observation and is recovering and progressing positively in his current condition.”

Messi scored a hat-trick against Algeria last week in his first group stage game of this year’s World Cup. He was seen in tears after his first goal.

Argentina’s Lionel Messi reacts after missing a penalty kick during the World Cup Group J match against Austria in Arlington, Texas on June 22, 2026. (Julio Cortez/AP)

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pakinomist APP

“My tears after the first goal? I’ve had some hard days. It wasn’t related to football. And those emotions were because of that,” Messi said. “I thank my teammates, the coaching staff and the delegation for helping me.”