DON'T MISS A MOMENT OF THE WORLD CUP

Lionel Messi has once again carved his name into football history, with the Argentina superstar becoming the all-time top scorer in World Cup competitions after brushing aside an early penalty setback against Austria.

The Inter Miami captain reaffirmed his position as one of the greatest footballers ever by surpassing German icon Miroslav Klose during Argentina’s crucial Group J clash with Austria on Monday.

Messi at the summit of World Cup history

It was a landmark evening in Dallas, where Messi officially became the most prolific scorer in the tournament’s history. Just days before turning 39, the Argentina skipper found the back of the net to reach 17 career World Cup goals, surpassing Klose’s long-standing record of 16. He then extended his tally by scoring again in second-half stoppage time, moving two goals clear of the former Germany striker.

The iconic forward entered the competition in scintillating form, closing the gap with a stunning hat-trick in Argentina’s opening 3-0 victory over Algeria. His precise finish against Austria has now made him the benchmark for goal scoring in international football’s biggest event.

Messi’s rare penalty frustration

It wasn’t an entirely smooth evening for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who momentarily seemed destined to delay his milestone. A VAR check awarded Argentina an early penalty, offering Messi the chance to seize the record from the spot, but he squandered the opportunity by dragging his shot wide of the left post.

The miss left the Houston crowd momentarily stunned. According to Opta, Messi has now both taken and missed the most penalties in World Cup history — seven attempts and three misses — a blemish on an otherwise flawless tournament résumé.

Chasing more than records

While his new scoring record dominates the headlines, Messi continues to pursue further milestones in North America. Prior to the Austria encounter, he was level with Argentine legend Diego Maradona for the most assists in World Cup history.

Even as he approaches his 40th birthday, Messi’s influence on the Albiceleste remains undiminished. By breaking a record that had stood since 2014, he has further separated himself from his peers, proving that his class and impact transcend age.

A legacy beyond limits

Messi’s record-breaking goal was a trademark strike that sent Argentina fans into euphoria. It adds another glorious chapter to a career that already features a World Cup triumph in 2022 and multiple Copa America titles, finally putting to rest any remaining debate about his place among football’s all-time greats.

Klose’s 16-goal mark was once considered untouchable, but Messi’s enduring excellence has rewritten the record books once again. With Argentina looking formidable in their title defence, the legendary No.10 may yet have more moments of magic left to deliver.