Watch Lionel Messi Make World Cup History Breaking Goal Record for Argentina in Trending Video

There is simply no debate—Lionel Messi is the greatest of all time.

The Argentine superstar became the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history on Monday, tallying his 17th career goal in the competition during the first half of his country's matchup against Austria, surpassing Germany's Miroslav Klose.

"For me, Lionel Messi is the best of all time," Klose told Süddeutsche Zeitung (via Bundesliga.com). "Congratulations, champ!"

Messi later broke Marta's record for most goals by any player, man or woman, by notching a brace:

It's the latest achievement in Messi's GOAT résumé, which also includes a 2022 World Cup title and a pair of Copa América with Argentina; four Champions League titles (all with Barcelona); 13 league titles between Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami; eight Ballons d'Or; two World Cup Golden Boot awards (and perhaps a third this year); and many, many more accolades.

He has five goals during the 2026 World Cup in two games. The rest of Group J—Austria, Jordan and Algeria—had four goals combined. The man is inevitable.

Messi stands second in international goals with 122, trailing only Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo (143). Cue the debate. But Messi has nine more World Cup goals than Ronaldo, a pretty big feather in his cap, alongside his eight assists (tied for the most in World Cup history with Diego Maradona). Ronaldo has just two assists in his six World Cups.

It isn't really a debate, much as some would like it to be. Messi simply stands alone, especially on the international stage, and he continues to play at an elite level despite being 38 years old. At a time when there are serious questions about whether Ronaldo should be benched for the good of Portugal, Messi is Argentina's talisman in their aspirations to repeat as World Cup champions.

There are levels to this game. Monday was yet another reminder.