Messi breaks World Cup scoring record with 17th goal vs Austria

Lionel Messi set a new FIFA World Cup goals record on Monday by scoring his 17th career goal in Argentina’s Group J match against Austria at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Argentina captain struck in the 38th minute to move clear of the previous mark of 16 held by former Germany striker Miroslav Klose. Messi is appearing at his sixth World Cup.

The record goal came in Argentina’s second group game of their title defence in North America. Messi had earlier missed a penalty in the match before opening the scoring.

Messi had drawn level with Klose’s total in the tournament opener, when he scored a hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Algeria. The 38-year-old, who plays for Inter Miami, reached the latest milestone after a build-up affected by a hamstring niggle and personal concerns involving his father’s health, according to reports.

How the record compares historically

With 17 World Cup goals, Messi now leads the all-time list ahead of Ronaldo of Brazil, who has 15. After Ronaldo, the next names cited among the top scorers include Gerd Muller and France forward Kylian Mbappe.

The achievement also puts Messi in a small group: he is the third player to score in six successive World Cups for his country. His first World Cup appearance came in 2006.

What it means for Argentina in Group J

Argentina’s position in Group J was strengthened, with qualification scenarios tied to the remaining fixtures in the section. Officials said Argentina can qualify for the knockout stage with a victory over Austria, and would be guaranteed top spot in Group J if Jordan fail to beat Algeria later on Monday.

Argentina are chasing back-to-back World Cup titles, a feat last achieved by Brazil in 1962. The next matches in Group J will determine whether the defending champions can secure early passage to the knockout rounds.