Messi breaks FIFA World Cup scoring record at 38, eyes 18 goals in Dallas
Synopsis
Two days before turning 39, Lionel Messi buried Miroslav Klose's decade-old World Cup scoring record with a brace against Austria in Dallas, reaching 18 tournament goals. His response? He is not thinking about his age at all — just staying fit and competing.
Key Takeaways
Lionel Messi became the FIFA World Cup's all-time top scorer on 23 June in Dallas , surpassing Miroslav Klose's record of 16 goals .
Messi netted twice against Austria — a first-half strike and a stoppage-time goal — to take his tally to 18 World Cup goals .
Argentina won 2-0 and lead Group J with six points , three ahead of second-placed Austria .
Messi missed a penalty in the ninth minute but recovered to deliver the record-breaking performance.
Manager Lionel Scaloni will decide whether Messi features in Argentina's final group match against Jordan on Saturday .
Lionel Messi became the FIFA World Cup's all-time top scorer on 23 June in Dallas, netting twice in Argentina's 2-0 victory over Austria to take his tournament tally to 18 goals — and insisting that age is the last thing on his mind. The milestone arrived just two days before his 39th birthday.
The Record-Breaking Moment
Messi surpassed Germany legend Miroslav Klose's long-standing record of 16 World Cup goals with a first-half strike against Austria in Group J. He added a second in stoppage time to extend his tally to 18, cementing his status as the greatest scorer in the tournament's history. The result lifted Argentina to the top of Group J with six points, three clear of second-placed Austria.
What Messi Said
'I'm not spending time thinking about my age. I'm simply focused on being well,' the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner told reporters after the match. 'I feel physically good, and maybe that's why I'm playing better.'
Messi also acknowledged that a missed penalty in the ninth minute had unsettled the team briefly. 'We missed two or three clear chances,' he said. 'We were controlling the game, but the ball just wouldn't go in. Then we managed to recover, playing very intense, very fast football.'
Scaloni to Decide on Jordan Fixture
With Argentina's progression to the round of 32 already secured, Messi indicated he may be rested for the final group-stage match against Jordan on Saturday. 'The manager (Lionel Scaloni) will decide whether I play or not, or how much I play,' he said. 'I feel good and happy to be part of this group, which always competes no matter who the opponent is and never relaxes.'
What This Milestone Means
Klose's record of 16 goals, set across four World Cups between 2002 and 2014, had stood for over a decade and was widely considered unassailable. Messi's achievement — at an age when most footballers have long retired from elite competition — underscores the extraordinary longevity of his career. Notably, this is the reigning champion's first group stage of the current edition, and Messi has already scored in both matches.
As Argentina prepare to face Jordan, all eyes will be on whether Scaloni deploys his captain — and whether Messi, records aside, keeps his singular focus on fitness and the team's collective performance.
Point of View
And the fact that Messi is playing 'better' by his own assessment at this stage is as remarkable as the record itself. The missed penalty is worth noting too — it is a reminder that records do not insulate against the ordinary pressures of a match. Argentina's real test will come in the knockout rounds, where the margin for individual error narrows sharply.
NationPress
23 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What World Cup scoring record did Messi break?
Messi surpassed Miroslav Klose's record of 16 FIFA World Cup goals , which had stood since the 2014 tournament. His brace against Austria on 23 June in Dallas took his all-time tally to 18 goals .
How old is Messi and when does he turn 39?
Messi broke the record two days before his 39th birthday , making him one of the oldest outfield players to achieve a major individual milestone at a FIFA World Cup.
How did Argentina perform against Austria?
Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 in Dallas , moving to the top of Group J with six points and securing their place in the round of 32 . Both goals were scored by Messi.
Will Messi play against Jordan on Saturday?
Messi said manager Lionel Scaloni will make the call on his involvement in Argentina's final group match against Jordan on Saturday . With qualification already secured, rotation is likely.
What did Messi say about his age and fitness?
Messi told reporters he is 'not spending time thinking about my age' and is 'simply focused on being well.' He added that feeling physically good is why he believes he is playing better.
