LAGOS JUNE 23RD (NEWSRANGERS)-Argentina are through to the World Cup Round of 32 following their 2-0 win over Austria, in a match where Lionel Messi became the quadrennial tournament’s all-time leading scorer.
The Inter Miami star came into this game level with Miroslav Klose as the World Cup’s joint-top scorer with 16 goals, and Messi struck twice to take his total to 18 goals. However, he felt that he should’ve had a hat-trick if he had converted his penalty during the ninth minute.
“There were moments when I was really angry about missing the penalty, but I was able to make up for it,” Messi said. “I knew it wasn’t going to be easy. The way things are going in the World Cup, the way it’s being played, it’s a very even game. No one is giving away anything.”
“Beyond anything, I’m so happy for the win. It was huge, tough, and difficult. It would allow us to be relaxed to what’s ahead. All matches in this World Cup are very even, very intense. I’m enjoying this moment and craving to enjoy with my teammates,” he continued.
June 22, 2026; Arlington, Texas, U.S.; Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Cristian Romero celebrate after the match. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
June 22, 2026; Arlington, Texas, U.S.; Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Cristian Romero celebrate after the match. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Miroslav Klose congratulates Lionel Messi for becoming the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer
German legend Miroslav Klose was quick to heap praise on Lionel Messi after seeing his long-standing record finally broken. The 48-year-old actually said before that it was only a matter of time before the Argentina star would leapfrog him.
“That’s perfectly fine, the record will be broken eventually anyway, and then Messi is welcome to do it. I’m a big fan of Messi, always have been,” Klose said.
“I’ve always said that Messi isn’t half bad. For me, he’s the best footballer of all time. Congrats, champion!” he added.
Besides becoming the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer, Messi also has the most World Cup matches played (28), World Cup victories (18), and most minutes played (2,489). Last night also marked the sixth consecutive World Cup match in which Messi has scored, joining France striker Just Fontaine and Brazil legend Jairzinho as the only players to do so.
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