Messi scores his 17th World Cup goal and gives Argentina the lead against Austria

Lionel Messi continues to rewrite World Cup history. The Argentina captain scored in the second-round match of the 2026 World Cup against Austria, taking his total number of goals at World Cups to a record 17.

For Messi, this was already his fourth goal of the current tournament. Earlier, the Argentine star scored a hat-trick against Algeria, and now he has also found the net against Austria, strengthening his lead in the 2026 World Cup top scorers’ race.

The match did not start easily for Messi. In the 8th minute, he failed to convert a penalty as Austria goalkeeper Alexander Schlager managed to save the legendary forward’s effort. After that, Messi had several more good chances to score, but the Austrian goalkeeper continued to keep his team in the game.

However, in the 38th minute, the Argentina captain finally got his goal. After a brilliant run and cross, Messi found himself in the right position and sent the ball into the net with his trademark left-footed finish, making it 1-0 in favor of Argentina.

This goal became historic for Messi. He now has 17 goals at World Cups — the best tally in the history of the tournament. In addition, the Argentine has moved clear at the top of the scoring chart at the current World Cup.

Even after missing a penalty, Messi responded the way he has done throughout his entire career — with a decisive goal at a crucial moment.

The greatest.