Dallas: Lionel Messi scored a goal for Argentina against Austria in the 38th minute of their Group J match in the FIFA World Cup 2026 at the Dallas Stadium on Monday, setting the record of most individual goals by any player in the tournament's history. This was Messi's 17th goal in the FIFA World Cup and also his fourth in the 2026 edition.
Two days before his 39th birthday, Messi not only broke the tournament's scoring record, but he also joined Just Fontaine of France and Jairzinho of Brazil as the third man to score in six successive World Cup games. This is Messi's fourth goal of the tournament, taking his tally to 17 at the World Cup.
Messi improved on the record of 16 goals held by Miroslav Klose of Germany. The list is now led by Messi with 17 goals, followed by Klose at 16 and Ronaldo (Brazil) at 15 goals. Kylian Mbappe of France and Gerd Müller of Germany are next in the list with 14 goals.
Messi later said that he is not thinking about his age and his only focus is to remain fit.
"I'm not spending time thinking about my age. I'm simply focused on being well," Messi told reporters. "I feel physically good, and maybe that's why I'm playing better."
Monday's result moved Argentina to the top of Group J with six points, three points clear of second-placed Austria. With the reigning champion's progress to the round of 32 already assured, Messi said he was unsure if he would play in Argentina's final group match against Jordan on Saturday.
"The manager (Lionel Scaloni) will decide whether I play or not, or how much I play," the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner said. "I feel good and happy to be part of this group, which always competes no matter who the opponent is and never relaxes."
Messi admitted that his missed penalty in the ninth minute of Monday's match had affected the team "a little". 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. The team competes, and competes very well. We can play better or worse, but there's no doubt we'll compete in every match the same way, no matter who the opponent is," he added.
As reigning tournament champions, Argentina faced some tough challenges from Austria, and Messi led their fine comeback with a superb goal.