Lionel Messi etched another chapter into football history on Monday, becoming the leading goalscorer in men's FIFA World Cup history after netting his record-breaking 17th tournament goal in Argentina's Group J clash against Austria.
Messi, 38 and about to turn 39, surpassed Miroslav Klose's long-standing record of 16 World Cup goals, set in 2014, with a composed first-half finish that put him alone at the summit of the tournament's all-time scoring charts. With the new football record, Messi's fresh goal count for FIFA World Cup now stands at 18.
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The milestone did not come without drama. Messi had an early opportunity to claim the record from the penalty spot but dragged his effort wide after Argentina were awarded an early spot-kick.
The miss, however, proved only a brief delay. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner soon found the breakthrough, calmly finishing to write yet another record into an extraordinary career that has already delivered a World Cup title, multiple Copa América triumphs and countless individual honours.
Messi had moved within touching distance of the record after scoring a stunning hat-trick in Argentina's 3-0 victory over Algeria in their opening Group J fixture, setting the stage for another historic night in Dallas.
With his latest strike, Messi now stands alone as the most prolific goalscorer in men's FIFA World Cup history, adding another remarkable achievement to one of football's greatest legacies.
