Lionel Messi became the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer as Argentina advanced to the knockout stage following a 2-0 victory over Austria. Messi scored his 17th World Cup goal, surpassing the previous record, after recovering from an earlier penalty miss. The match took place in Dallas, United States, according to Xinhua.

Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland each scored two goals in their respective matches, intensifying the competition for the World Cup Golden Boot. Messi, just days before his 39th birthday, contributed both goals to Argentina's 2-0 win over Austria at Dallas Stadium. This performance has set the stage for a thrilling showdown among these three prominent football stars.

Lionel Messi celebrated his 39th birthday during the 2026 World Cup, receiving numerous heartfelt messages. Among them was a touching tribute from his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, highlighting their relationship as he continues to shine on the world stage.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are engaged in a competition to break World Cup records, but there exists a notable achievement that neither can surpass: the title of the oldest African World Cup goalscorer. This distinction highlights a unique milestone in the context of the ongoing rivalry between the two football legends.

According to The Citizen Sport, many of the world's top athletes, including icons like Messi, Ronaldo, Hamilton, and the Williams sisters, continue to excel in their sports despite being in their 40s. This highlights the notion that age may not be a barrier to achieving elite performance in athletics.

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup expands to 48 teams, players such as Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Cristiano Ronaldo are breaking records in a competitive race for the Golden Boot, highlighting their elite scoring abilities.