Messi Breaks 4 World Cup Records in One Night as GWR Hails Football History

Ololade Adeyanju/

Lionel Messi has added another remarkable chapter to his legendary career after Guinness World Records recognised a series of new milestones achieved by the Argentina captain during the ongoing FIFA World Cup.

The record-breaking feats came as Messi inspired defending champions Argentina to a 2-0 victory over Austria, a result that secured their place in the knockout stage and further cemented the 38-year-old’s place among football’s all-time greats.

In a post celebrating the achievement, Guinness World Records declared: “We are witnessing history.”

According to the organisation, Messi now holds the records for the most FIFA World Cup goals scored by an individual player, the most FIFA World Cup matches played, the most World Cup victories by a player and the most minutes played in the tournament’s history.

The latest milestones recognised by Guinness World Records include becoming the player with the most goals in FIFA World Cup history with 18, the most World Cup appearances with 28 matches, the most World Cup victories by an individual player with 18 wins, and the most minutes played in the competition with 2,489.

The records further extend a remarkable list of accomplishments accumulated by the Argentine captain across five World Cup tournaments and reinforce his status as one of the most decorated footballers the sport has ever produced.

Messi’s latest records came after another match-winning performance for Argentina, during which he scored twice against Austria.

The goals saw him move beyond former Germany striker, Miroslav Klose, whose record of 16 World Cup goals had stood since 2014.

Messi entered the tournament chasing the mark and first drew level with Klose after scoring a hat-trick against Algeria before surpassing him against Austria.

Reuters described the achievement as another landmark in a career that has continually redefined football longevity and excellence.

“Messi has further solidified his legendary status by becoming the all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup history,” Reuters reported after Argentina’s victory.

The achievement is particularly notable given Messi’s age.

Just days before his 39th birthday, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner continues to perform at the highest level, leading Argentina’s quest to retain the trophy they won in Qatar in 2022.

His appearance against Austria also extended a record that he already held for the most World Cup matches played by any footballer.

Guinness World Records and FIFA had previously recognised Messi as the outright holder of that record following Argentina’s World Cup triumph in Qatar, when he surpassed Germany legend, Lothar Matthäus.

Having already won the World Cup, two Copa América titles, numerous domestic league crowns and a record eight Ballon d’Or awards, the Argentine icon continues to add to a list of achievements that few thought possible.

With Argentina advancing and several matches still remaining in the tournament, there is every possibility that Messi could extend his records even further before the World Cup concludes.