Shillong, June 22: Lionel Messi stands on the verge of making history once again as Argentina prepare to face Austria in their second Group J fixture of the 2026 FIFA World Cup tonight (Indian Standard Time).
The 38-year-old captain enters the match level with German legend Miroslav Klose as the joint-highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history, with both players having scored 16 goals. Klose held the record for 12 years until Messi matched it.
Messi equalled Klose’s record after scoring a hat-trick against Algeria in Argentina’s opening World Cup 2026 match at Kansas City Stadium on June 17, 2026, which Argentina won 3-0.
A goal against Austria would see the Argentine superstar move to 17 World Cup goals and become the tournament’s leading scorer.
Klose set the previous benchmark during four World Cup campaigns between 2002 and 2014, surpassing Brazil icon Ronaldo Nazário’s tally of 15 goals at the 2014 tournament in Brazil. Ronaldo had netted his 15 goals between 1998 and 2006 World Cups.
Now appearing in his sixth World Cup, Messi has already broken several records, including the most appearances in the history of the competition.
Argentina head into the contest full of confidence after their opening victory, while Austria will be looking to build on their 3-1 win over Jordan.
With history within touching distance, all eyes will be on Messi as the world waits to see whether the Argentine captain can add yet another milestone to his extraordinary career.
All-Time FIFA World Cup Goalscorers:
– Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 16 goals* (active player)
– Miroslav Klose (Germany) – 16 goals
– Ronaldo Nazário (Brazil) – 15 goals
– Kylian Mbappé (France) – 14 goals* (active player)
– Gerd Müller (Germany) – 14 goals
