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FC·June 22, 2026 03:32 PM ET

Messi sets all-time World Cup goals record with 18th career strike

Messi becomes World Cup's all-time leading scorer.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Jun 221 min read
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A moment for the history books 📚 https://t.co/my4tFGxyyG

What happened: Lionel Messi scored to reach 18 career World Cup goals, the most by any player in the tournament's history. The strike was his fifth of the 2026 World Cup, extending a scoring run that has defined his campaign.

Why it matters: The record places Messi atop the World Cup's all-time scoring list, a milestone that further cements his standing among the sport's greatest players. After publicly stepping away from the international stage a decade ago, his late-career resurgence on this stage adds weight to an already historic legacy.

By the numbers: Messi now has 18 career World Cup goals, a tournament record. He has scored five goals in the 2026 World Cup alone.

What to watch: Watch whether Messi extends the mark as the tournament progresses.

Sources

  • @espn 

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