What happened: Lionel Messi has become the outright all-time top scorer in World Cup history. He has tallied 17 goals and assists combined across his last 10 World Cup appearances, including a multi-goal haul in his most recent group-stage outing and a goal in the match before it.
Why it matters: The mark moves Messi clear of the field after he had only recently drawn level at the top. It is the latest milestone in a career that has reframed the tournament's record books, and it comes during what is widely expected to be his final World Cup campaign. This builds directly on the moment Messi first matched the all-time World Cup goal record.
By the numbers: Across his last 10 World Cup games: 2026 — one goal vs. Austria, a multi-goal performance vs. Algeria. 2022 — output against France, Croatia, the Netherlands, Australia, Mexico and Saudi Arabia, with a blank against Poland. 2018 — two assists vs. France and a goal vs. Nigeria. The run totals 17 goals and assists combined.
What to watch: Attention turns to Argentina's next fixture, where Messi can extend the record further as the tournament progresses.