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Messi Scores Twice to Reach 18 World Cup Goals, Surpassing Marta's Record of 17
Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 in Atlanta on June 22. Messi reached 18 career World Cup goals, surpassing the previous mark of 17 held by Marta.
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Lionel Messi scored twice on Monday to become the World Cup's all-time leading scorer with 18 goals. Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 in Atlanta. Messi's first goal came in the 38th minute and broke the previous men's record of 16 goals held by Miroslav Klose.
His second goal arrived in stoppage time at the 90+5 minute mark. The Argentine forward entered the tournament with 13 career World Cup goals. He reached 16 goals after scoring a hat trick against Algeria on June 17.
Messi missed a penalty kick in the 12th minute that would have given him an earlier chance at the record. Marta, who previously held the all-time record of 17 goals across six World Cup appearances, posted three clapping-hands emojis on her Instagram story after the match, Usa Today reported. "Honestly, the way it happened was spectacular.
Today, I had the penalty kick that could've extended our lead. I mean, if I'd scored it, maybe the other goal doesn't happen either," Messi said postgame.
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