Messi becomes World Cup's all-time top scorer with 17 goals

Lionel Messi has become the outright leading goalscorer in World Cup history, overtaking Miroslav Klose during Argentina's Group J match with Austria on Monday. Just days before his 39th birthday, the Argentina captain reached 17 career finals goals and then added a stoppage-time strike to move two clear of the previous record of 16.

He arrived at the tournament in fine form, narrowing the gap with a stunning hat-trick in Argentina’s opening 3-0 win over Algeria. His clinical finish against Austria ensured he now holds the gold standard for scoring in international football's most prestigious competition.

The afternoon was not without a hiccup. After a VAR review awarded Argentina an early penalty, Messi dragged his spot-kick wide of the left post, leaving the crowd stunned; Opta notes he has now both taken and missed the most penalties in World Cup history — seven and three respectively.

Argentina

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