Guinness World Records has highlighted four historic milestones achieved by Argentina captain Lionel Messi following his record-breaking performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he inspired a 2-0 victory over Austria in the group stage.
Messi, who scored twice in the match, set multiple records and further extended his dominance on football’s biggest stage.
Argentina, the defending champions, secured the win in a group stage fixture played in North America, with Messi once again central to their attack despite missing a penalty earlier in the game.
According to GWR in a statement shared on Monday, Lionel Messi broke all the records listed today.
The records include: “Most FIFA World Cup finals goals by a football (soccer) player — 18, Most FIFA World Cup matches played by an individual — 28, Most matches won by a player at the FIFA World Cup — 18, Most minutes played in the FIFA World Cup — 2,489.”
“We are witnessing history,” GWR said in its assessment of Messi’s latest achievements.
Messi’s brace also saw him surpass Germany’s Miroslav Klose, who previously held the record with 16 World Cup goals, taking his total to 18 in the competition.
The 38-year-old, playing in his sixth World Cup, continues to redefine longevity at the highest level of international football, having made his tournament debut in 2006.
