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Messi makes World Cup history — the internet reacts

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Lionel Messi pulls up his shorts after missing a penalty kick during the 2026 World Cup Group J football match between Argentina and Austria

Days before his 39th birthday, legendary striker Lionel Messi gave Argentina fans an unbeatable gift — by becoming the top goalscorer in World Cup history.

Just one goal in Argentina's game against Austria would have put Messi on top of the all-time goalscorer list, at 17 goals. Messi managed two, scoring his second in the last minute of added-on stoppage time.

Google was ready for the historic moment. Fans noted that searches for "Messi" produced a shower of virtual confetti from the search giant.

Messi's 18th World Cup goal puts him two ahead of Miroslav Klose, a German player whose last World Cup was in 2014. That's how long we've been waiting for a new goal record.

One fan in the stadium, however, seems to have been preparing for this moment since 1926.

During the game, Messi also missed a penalty kick — and it wasn't his first time. The Argentine striker hit another record when he became the first player to miss a penalty in three separate World Cups. But some fans argued Messi didn't want to claim the record via a penalty — and if anything, the miss made him more of a social media legend ...

As did his height. (Messi is 5 ft. 7 in. tall).

Messi is the best short person of all time

— JP Acosta (@acosta32jp.bsky.social) June 22, 2026 at 12:02 PM

Some fans wryly noted Messi has scored almost exactly the same goal multiple times in his club career.

Meanwhile, at least one Austrian was downhearted about his sartorial choices.

Still, whether or not he is the GOAT, Messi needs to watch his back. Kylian Mbappe, France's top goalscorer, is sitting pretty on an all-time World Cup count of 14 goals — and has plenty of games left to go. As fans are quick to point out, Mbappe has nothing but praise and humility for his rival, recently declaring Messi a better player.

Mbappe vs. Messi World Cup final, anyone?



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