Messi scores 17th World Cup goal, surpassing Klose as all-time male scorer

Lionel Messi became the sole holder of the all-time leading scorer title in men's FIFA World Cup competition after finding the net in the 38th minute of Argentina's match with Austria on Monday, June 22. The goal, his 17th in World Cup play, moved him past Germany's Miroslav Klose, who previously held the record with 16 goals.

Messi had entered the tournament with 13 career World Cup goals and had increased his tally to 16 following a hat-trick against Algeria in Argentina's opening match on June 17. Earlier in the Austria game, Messi missed a penalty attempt, but later completed the record-breaking strike after receiving a pass on the left and moving into the box.

The Argentine forward now shares the overall World Cup goal record with Brazil's Marta, who has also scored 17 goals across six tournaments. France's Kylian Mbappé, with 14 World Cup goals after a double against Senegal, remains a contender to challenge the record in future competitions.