Messi Makes History With 18th World Cup Goal
Lionel Messi’s double against Austria takes his all-time World Cup tally to 18 goals, surpassing both Miroslav Klose and Marta in one night.
One Number That Says Everything
In the fading light of a New Jersey night, Lionel Messi did what Lionel Messi does — he rewrote history. A trademark first-half finish from Facundo Medina’s low cross pulled him level with Miroslav Klose at 16 goals before a stoppage-time strike sent him beyond Brazilian women’s great Marta to stand alone on 18. The greatest World Cup scorer in the history of the game.
When Messi tapped in from a low Medina cross in the 39th minute, he drew level with Germany’s Klose — long considered untouchable on 16 goals in the men’s game. Then, deep into stoppage time, he ghosted onto another chance and slid home his second, first eclipsing Klose, then surpassing Brazil’s Marta on 17. One night. Two records. Eighteen goals. Argentina confirmed group winners.
Stoppage-Time Seal of Greatness
The Argentina bench erupted as the final strike crossed the line. Teammates mobbed their captain in scenes of pure joy. Head coach Lionel Scaloni turned to the touchline, arms wide, overwhelmed. Austria, eliminated and deflated, could only stand and watch the moment the sport’s greatest goalscorer cemented his place in football immortality.
With the knockouts looming, Argentina’s title defense looks stronger by the day. Messi, 38, is producing the finest World Cup of his career — and with the Golden Boot in his sights, he shows no sign of stopping.
