Lionel Messi Becomes the World Cup’s All-Time Top Scorer

Lionel Messi made history at the 2026 World Cup by scoring his 17th tournament goal, moving past Germany’s Miroslav Klose to become the competition’s all-time leading scorer. The milestone came after he missed a penalty in the ninth minute, but then found the net 29 minutes later to seal the record.

The Israeli sports report said Messi’s goal etched his name “in golden letters” on what it called the biggest stage in world football, and not for the first time. The achievement prompted an immediate wave of praise in the media.

Former England defender Danny Murphy said the goal was “a brilliant strike” and “a great move,” adding, “It was only a matter of time.” He called the finish easy for Messi and said the only surprise was that he had not scored earlier.

Murphy also said Messi’s football intelligence is “off the scale,” praising his movement, timing and ability to find space, and called him “the best player I have ever seen.” English coverage described the moment as one that made viewers stop in amazement, while the outlet Ole called it “a historic moment.”