Messi Becomes All-Time World Cup Scorer at Nearly 39
Lionel Messi just became the World Cup's all-time leading scorer with 18 goals, two days before his 39th birthday. The Argentine legend who once quit international football in heartbreak now leads his country as reigning world champions. ##
Nearly a decade ago, Lionel Messi walked away from international football, heartbroken after missing a penalty in yet another final loss. "For me, the national team is over," he said in 2016, convinced his dream of winning with Argentina was impossible.
Fast forward to Monday, and the same player just rewrote World Cup history. Two days before turning 39, Messi scored both goals in Argentina's 2-0 victory over Austria, bringing his World Cup total to 18 goals and surpassing Germany's Miroslav Klose as the tournament's all-time leading scorer.
The achievement feels even sweeter knowing where Messi's journey took him. After reversing his retirement decision, he led Argentina to two Copa America titles and their first World Cup win since 1986, scoring seven goals in that 2022 tournament alone.
Monday's performance showed a player still at the peak of his powers. After missing an early penalty, Messi bounced back with a low strike in the 38th minute, then added a second in stoppage time from a tight angle.
Remarkably, 12 of his 18 World Cup goals have come after age 35. Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague summed it up perfectly: "We don't have time to create statues for Lionel Messi or deep analysis for him in newspapers. We cannot keep pace."
The Ripple Effect
Messi's success story goes beyond personal records. His decision to push through disappointment and return to international football transformed Argentina's fortunes entirely, bringing joy to millions of fans who waited decades for World Cup glory.
Former Wales defender Ashley Williams captured what many are thinking: "We might have just witnessed the greatest player that football has ever seen." The statistics support the claim with Messi creating the most chances in World Cup history (76) while scoring with remarkable efficiency.
What makes this run even more special is how Messi is managing it physically. He's played six World Cups now, and observers note he's moving smarter, not harder. Former France striker Olivier Giroud, himself a World Cup winner, praised Messi's healthy lifestyle and ability to stay competitive at nearly 39.
With Argentina already guaranteed a spot in the knockout rounds and more matches ahead, Messi shows no signs of slowing down. The boy who once quit in despair has become the man who changed World Cup history forever.
##
More Images
Based on reporting by BBC Sport
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
Spread the positivity!
Share this good news with someone who needs it
