Lionel Messi becomes the top scorer in World Cup history

Lionel Messi has set a new record in the history of the World Cup, becoming on Monday the top scorer, with 17 goals in six appearances. The Argentine forward surpassed Miroslav Klose, who held the record since 2014 with 16 goals.

Messi scored the record goal in the match against Austria, after he achieved a hat-trick in his first match of the 2022 tournament, against Algeria. At nearly 39 years old, Messi, world champion in 2022, is approaching legendary status.

His first goal in the World Cup was scored at 18 years and 357 days, in 2006, against Serbia and Montenegro. His best tally in a single edition is 7 goals, scored in Qatar.