Messi breaks World Cup goal record with 17th strike
Lionel Messi has become the top scorer in World Cup history after netting his 17th goal. The Argentina captain surpassed Miroslav Klose’s previous record during a match against Austria. Messi had equalled the record with a hat-trick against Algeria and now continues to inspire his team. His performance comes despite recent personal challenges and fitness concerns.
Match highlights
- Lionel Messi scored his 17th World Cup goal against Austria, making him the tournament's all-time leading scorer.
- He had previously matched Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 goals with a hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Algeria.
- Messi missed a penalty earlier in the game before scoring after 38 minutes in Arlington, Texas.
- The 38-year-old is playing in his sixth World Cup and has 121 goals in 201 appearances for Argentina.
- Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister praised Messi’s importance to the team following the win against Algeria.
