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For years, the World Cup goal-scoring record seemed untouchable. Miroslav Klose sat alone at the top with 16 goals, a mark that had survived some of football’s biggest stars.
The German striker broke the record on 8 July 2014 when he scored his 16th World Cup goal during Germany’s famous 7-1 demolition of Brazil in the semi-finals. That goal moved him past Brazilian legend Ronaldo, who had held the previous record of 15 goals; Klose held this record for 12 years.
But records are made to be broken, and on a historic night at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Lionel Messi did exactly that, 2 goals against Austria, Messi moved clear with 18 goals to his name.
But while he celebrates the goalscoring record, Lionel Messi also got another record his fans won’t want to see.
Image Credit: Showkat Shafi/Al Jazeera
Lionel Messi holds the unwanted record for the most penalties missed in FIFA World Cup history (excluding shootouts).
Before the 2026 World Cup, Messi was tied with Ghana legend Asamoah Gyan on two missed penalties. Messi missed against Iceland in 2018 and Poland in 2022, while Gyan missed against the Czech Republic (2006) and Uruguay (2010).
After missing a penalty against Austria at the 2026 World Cup, Messi’s total rose to three missed World Cup penalties, giving him the record outright.
