Lionel Messi has become the all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup history, achieving this milestone with a brace in a recent match against Austria. The goals marked his 17th and 18th in his 28th appearance in the tournament, breaking the previous record held by Miroslav Klose.
Messi's World Cup journey began in 2006 with his debut goal against Serbia and Montenegro at the age of 17. Watching from the stands that day was Diego Maradona. Over the subsequent World Cups, Messi has amassed a total of 18 goals, with his strikes spanning multiple tournaments and showcasing a variety of skills, from curling shots from the edge of the box to expertly taken penalties.
His 18th goal, scored in stoppage time against Austria, exemplified his continued hunger for scoring. After playing Julian Alvarez through for an effort that was saved, Messi followed up, controlling a rebound and ultimately converting past the goalkeeper and defenders on the goal line. This goal, while not the most elegant of his career, highlighted his determination.
Another notable goal from the Austria match was his first, which saw him surpass Klose. Receiving a pass from Enzo Fernandez, Messi curled an effort with his left foot into the bottom corner. This strike was met with widespread celebration, recognizing him as the tournament's most accomplished goalscorer.
Messi's performances in the 2022 World Cup final against France also contributed significantly to his record. His penalty in that match was noted for the composure shown under immense pressure, being the first of three goals he scored in that final, including another spot-kick in the shootout. His second goal in the final came after Hugo Lloris parried an effort from Lautaro Martinez, with Messi prodding the rebound home.
Across his World Cup career, Messi has demonstrated a wide range of goal-scoring abilities. His 2014 goal against Iran, a 91st-minute winner, is described as a quintessential Messi goal: cutting inside, beating a defender, and curling the ball into the top corner. In the 2018 group stage against Nigeria, he controlled a long ball with his thigh, dinked it over a marker, and scored with his weaker right foot, securing a crucial victory.
His penalty against Croatia in the 2022 semi-final was a powerful strike, giving the goalkeeper no chance. The list of his top goals also includes a dazzling free-kick against Nigeria in 2014 and a goal against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the same tournament, where he played a one-two with Gonzalo Higuaín before scoring.
His first World Cup goal against Serbia and Montenegro in 2006 showcased his skill with quick touches and a side-footed finish. The ranking of his goals emphasizes both the technical brilliance and the crucial moments in which many of them were scored, highlighting his impact on Argentina's campaigns throughout his distinguished World Cup career.