Sports · 24 June 2026

Lionel Messi becomes all-time leading FIFA men’s World Cup scorer

Exam-focused facts from the 24 June 2026 current affairs briefing.

Key facts

  • Lionel Messi became the all-time leading goalscorer at the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) men’s World Cup with 18 goals.
  • Messi broke the 12-year record of 16 goals previously held by Miroslav Klose.
  • The record was achieved on 22 June 2026 during Argentina's 2-0 victory against Austria at the Dallas Stadium.
  • Messi extended the record for the most FIFA World Cup appearances by playing in his 28th match.
  • Messi surpassed Marta's mark of 17 goals to become the greatest World Cup goalscorer across both male and female categories.

View this story in the full daily briefing

Earlier coverage selected by topic similarity to help connect developments over time.

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