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  • “It feels special”: Lionel Messi savors becoming World Cup’s all-time leading scorer

    “It feels special”: Lionel Messi savors becoming World Cup’s all-time leading scorer

    Defending champions Argentina continued their strong start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage with a composed 2-0 victory over Austria on Tuesday, June 23 (Philippine Standard Time) at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

     

    The win marked Argentina’s second straight triumph in Group J, with captain Lionel Messi once again delivering a match-winning performance. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner struck twice—first in the 38th minute and again deep into stoppage time in the 95th minute—to secure all three points and book Argentina’s place in the Round of 32.

     

    Messi’s brace not only maintained Argentina’s perfect start to the tournament but also etched his name deeper into World Cup history. With his two goals against Austria, the 38-year-old became the tournament’s all-time leading goalscorer, taking his tally to 18 goals in 28 appearances. He surpassed Germany legend Miroslav Klose, who previously held the record with 16 goals set during the 2014 World Cup.

     

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    The Argentina skipper acknowledged the significance of the milestone after the match, describing the achievement as meaningful while also admitting to the physical demands of playing in challenging conditions.

     

    “It feels special, but like I have always said it does. Like I have said other times, I enjoy playing, having a good time on the pitch. I wasn’t necessarily having one on the penalty, but with luck we were able to work through that situation, take the advantage and leave with three points,” Messi said post-match.

     

    Messi also admitted fatigue when asked about his favorite goal from his World Cup tally, highlighting the intensity of the match schedule and conditions.

    “I can’t recall right now, I’m tired, low on energy, and finding it hard to think,” he added.

     

    Despite his individual brilliance, Messi emphasized the importance of collective performance as Argentina continue their title defense. The reigning champions have now secured six points from two matches and sit comfortably at the top of Group J.

     

    Looking ahead, Messi noted the importance of maintaining focus while also managing the squad’s energy levels as qualification for the knockout stage nears.

     

    “We knew it was going to be a game with a lot of intensity and we knew we wouldn’t be able to let our guard down. But yes, I’m happy. It’s important to us also to get the six points to have a little bit of a calmer week,” he concluded.

     

    With his latest performance, Messi now leads the race for the Golden Boot with five goals in two matches. He is closely followed by Norway’s Erling Haaland and France captain Kylian Mbappé, who both have four goals apiece.

     

    Argentina’s victory keeps them firmly on track to defend their world title, with their next Group J fixture scheduled against Jordan on Sunday, June 28 (Philippine Standard Time) at the same venue in Arlington.

     

    As the group stage progresses, all eyes remain on Messi, whose record-breaking exploits continue to define Argentina’s campaign while reinforcing his legacy as one of the greatest players in World Cup history.

     

     

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  • The biggest FIFA World Cup records that could be broken in 2026

    The biggest FIFA World Cup records that could be broken in 2026

    The expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, running from June 11 to July 19 across North America, is set to reshape the tournament record book.


    For the first time, FIFA will feature 48 teams instead of 32, increasing the number of matches from 64 to 104. With more games, players, coaches and nations will have unprecedented opportunities to challenge records that once appeared untouchable.


    Here are the World Cup records most likely to fall — and a few that could face serious pressure.


    Records Likely to Be Broken

    1. Most World Cup Match Wins by a Manager

    Current Record: Helmut Schön (West Germany) — 16 wins


    Helmut Schön’s legendary run with West Germany between 1966 and 1978 produced one World Cup title, a runner-up finish and a third-place finish. His 16 tournament victories have stood for nearly five decades.


    France manager Didier Deschamps enters the 2026 tournament with 14 World Cup wins from 19 matches. Having guided France to the quarterfinals in 2014, the title in 2018 and the final in 2022, Deschamps needs only three more victories to surpass Schön.


    Given France’s favorable group-stage draw and status as one of the tournament favorites, this record appears highly vulnerable. Deschamps could also join Vittorio Pozzo as only the second manager to win two World Cups.


    2. Most Goals Scored in a Single Tournament

    Current Record: 172 goals (Qatar 2022)


    This record is almost certain to fall.


    The 2022 World Cup produced 172 goals across 64 matches, averaging 2.69 goals per game. With 104 matches scheduled in 2026, even a conservative scoring rate would push the total well beyond 200 goals.


    If the tournament matches the low-scoring average of the 1990 World Cup (2.21 goals per game), the final tally would still reach approximately 230 goals. Replicating the 2022 scoring rate would result in nearly 280 goals.


    Unless the tournament becomes dramatically more defensive, a new scoring record is virtually guaranteed.


    3. Most Players Aged 40 or Older in a Single World Cup

    Current Record: 1 (multiple tournaments tied)


    Only seven players aged 40 or older have appeared in World Cup history, but 2026 could dramatically increase that number.


    Potential participants include:

    • Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal, 41)
    • Manuel Neuer (Germany, 40)
    • Edin Džeko (Bosnia and Herzegovina, 40)
    • Craig Gordon (Scotland, 43)
    • Luka Modrić (Croatia, 40)
    • Fernando Muslera (Uruguay, 40)
    • Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico, 40)

    If just two players aged 40-plus appear in a match, the tournament will set a new record.


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    Records That Could Be Broken

    4. Most Career World Cup Goals

    Current Record: Miroslav Klose (Germany) — 16 goals


    Few World Cup records carry as much prestige as the all-time scoring mark.


    Klose’s 16-goal record has stood since 2014, but several active stars are within striking distance:

    • Lionel Messi (Argentina) — 13 goals
    • Kylian Mbappé (France) — 12 goals
    • Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) — 8 goals
    • Harry Kane (England) — 8 goals
    • Neymar (Brazil) — 8 goals

    Messi and Mbappé represent the most realistic threats. Messi needs four goals to take sole possession of the record, while Mbappé needs five.


    The French superstar may have the long-term advantage. At 28, Mbappé is likely to have another World Cup beyond 2026, while Messi will turn 39 during this tournament.


    5. Youngest Golden Boot Winner

    Current Record: Thomas Müller (Germany) — Age 20 (2010)


    Thomas Müller captured the Golden Boot at age 20 after scoring five goals at the 2010 World Cup.


    The strongest challenger is Spain sensation Lamine Yamal.


    Still only 18, Yamal has already established himself among the world’s elite players after helping Spain win Euro 2024. If Spain makes a deep run, he could contend for both the Golden Boot and Best Young Player honors.


    However, fitness remains a concern after a hamstring injury late in the club season.

    Other young contenders include:

    • Lennart Karl (Germany, 18)
    • Endrick (Brazil, 19)

    Still, Yamal enters the tournament as the most likely candidate to break Müller’s record.


    6. Youngest Golden Ball Winner

    Current Record: Ronaldo (Brazil) — Age 21 (1998)


    When Ronaldo won the Golden Ball in 1998, he was already regarded as one of football’s brightest stars. More than 25 years later, no player younger than 21 has matched that achievement.


    Since then, the award has largely been dominated by experienced veterans, including Oliver Kahn, Zinedine Zidane, Luka Modrić, Diego Forlán and Lionel Messi.


    Once again, Yamal appears to be the leading challenger.


    Other young stars capable of making a breakthrough include:

    • Lennart Karl (Germany)
    • Endrick (Brazil)
    • Désiré Doué (France)
    • João Neves (Portugal)
    • Kobbie Mainoo (England)
    • Nico Paz (Argentina)

    Winning the Golden Ball typically requires a combination of individual brilliance and a deep tournament run, making this one of the more difficult records to break.


    Records That May Remain Untouched

    While the expanded format creates more opportunities than ever before, some World Cup marks still appear safe.

    • Just Fontaine’s 13 goals in a single tournament (1958) remains one of the most daunting individual records in football.
    • Miroslav Klose’s career scoring record may survive another cycle if neither Messi nor Mbappé produces an extraordinary tournament.
    • Ronaldo’s Golden Ball record has stood for nearly three decades, highlighting how difficult it is for teenagers and young stars to dominate a World Cup from start to finish.

    Still, with 104 matches and a deeper field than ever before, the 2026 FIFA World Cup could become the most record-breaking tournament in the competition’s history.


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  • From Messi to Ronaldo: Top 5 players with the most FIFA World Cup matches in history 

    From Messi to Ronaldo: Top 5 players with the most FIFA World Cup matches in history 

    The FIFA World Cup is the pinnacle of international football, where only the greatest players consistently perform on the sport’s biggest stage. Reaching multiple World Cups is already a remarkable achievement, but maintaining elite-level performance across several tournaments requires extraordinary longevity, consistency, and durability.


    Here’s a look at the five players who have made the most appearances in FIFA World Cup history.


    1. Lionel Messi (Argentina) — 26 Matches

    Widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, Lionel Messi sits alone at the top of the all-time World Cup appearance list with 26 matches for Argentina national football team.


    Messi’s World Cup journey began in 2006 as a teenage prodigy and culminated in glory at the 2022 tournament in Qatar, where he finally lifted the coveted trophy. Across five World Cups, Messi delivered unforgettable performances, countless iconic moments, and became Argentina’s undisputed leader on the international stage.


    His longevity, consistency, and ability to perform under immense pressure cemented his place in football history.


    2. Lothar Matthäus (Germany) — 25 Matches

    German legend Lothar Matthäus held the record for most World Cup appearances for many years before Messi surpassed him.


    Representing Germany national football team across five tournaments from 1982 to 1998, Matthäus became synonymous with leadership and tactical intelligence. He captained West Germany to World Cup glory in 1990 and remains one of the most decorated midfielders in football history.


    His versatility and endurance allowed him to remain a key figure for Germany over an incredible 16-year World Cup span.


    3. Miroslav Klose (Germany) — 24 Matches

    Another German icon, Miroslav Klose is best remembered for his extraordinary goalscoring exploits at the World Cup.


    Klose appeared in four tournaments between 2002 and 2014 and famously became the tournament’s all-time leading scorer with 16 goals. His 24 appearances showcased his consistency and importance to Germany’s success during one of the nation’s strongest football eras.


    He capped off his World Cup career by helping Germany win the 2014 title in Brazil.


    4. Paolo Maldini (Italy) — 23 Matches

    Italian defensive legend Paolo Maldini remains one of the greatest defenders to ever play the game.


    Representing Italy national football team in four World Cups from 1990 to 2002, Maldini built his reputation through composure, intelligence, and defensive mastery. Despite never winning the World Cup, he was consistently one of Italy’s most reliable performers on football’s grandest stage.


    His 23 appearances remain the most by an Italian player in tournament history.


    5. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) — 22 Matches

    Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo rounds out the top five with 22 World Cup appearances for Portugal national football team.


    Like Messi, Ronaldo enjoyed a remarkable World Cup career spanning multiple generations, appearing in five tournaments from 2006 onward. Known for his elite athleticism, goalscoring ability, and relentless competitiveness, Ronaldo became the face of Portuguese football for nearly two decades.


    Although he never won the World Cup, his consistency and influence on the international stage remain undeniable.


    Honorable Mentions

    • Diego Maradona — 21 matches
    • Philipp Lahm — 20 matches
    • Cafu — 20 matches

    These players not only showcased exceptional talent but also demonstrated the longevity and resilience required to compete repeatedly at football’s highest level. In a tournament where careers can be defined by a single moment, these legends built lasting legacies across multiple World Cup generations.


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  • From Klose to Messi: The top five all-time leading goal scorers in FIFA World Cup history

    The FIFA World Cup is unquestionably the greatest competition in football history — the ultimate prize every player dreams of winning for their country and legacy.


    Since the inaugural tournament in 1930, which saw Frenchman Lucien Laurent score the first-ever World Cup goal, the competition has produced over 2,700 goals and some of the most iconic moments in football. Among the records stands Just Fontaine’s incredible feat of scoring 13 goals in a single tournament in 1958, a record that remains unbroken to this day.


    Here, we spotlight the five players who have scored the most goals in World Cup history:


    1. Miroslav Klose (Germany) — 16 goals in 24 games

    German striker Miroslav Klose tops the list as the all-time leading World Cup goal scorer with 16 goals across 24 matches. Klose featured in four World Cups from 2002 to 2014 and capped his illustrious career by helping Germany clinch the 2014 World Cup title in Brazil.


    2. Ronaldo Nazário (Brazil) — 15 goals in 19 games

    Widely regarded as one of football’s greatest strikers, Ronaldo Nazário, famously known as “R9,” netted 15 goals in 19 World Cup appearances. Ronaldo played in four editions and won two titles — in 1994 (although he didn’t see playing time) and 2002. The latter cemented his legacy with a memorable brace in the final against Germany.


    3. Gerd Müller (Germany) — 14 goals in 13 games

    A legendary goalscorer of his era, Gerd Müller averaged more than a goal per game with 14 goals in just 13 matches across the 1970 and 1974 tournaments. Müller famously scored the winning goal for West Germany in their 2-1 victory over the Netherlands in the 1974 final before retiring as a World Cup champion.


    4. Just Fontaine (France) — 13 goals in 6 games

    Though he only appeared in one World Cup, Just Fontaine remains a legend for his jaw-dropping 13 goals in just six matches during the 1958 tournament — the highest tally ever in a single World Cup. Surprisingly, Fontaine never featured in another World Cup after 1958.


    5. Lionel Messi (Argentina) — 13 goals in 26 games

    Considered by many as the greatest footballer ever, Lionel Messi has played in five World Cups from 2006 to 2022. With 13 goals in 26 games, Messi’s crowning achievement came in Qatar 2022 when he led Argentina to their third World Cup title and won his second Golden Ball award. At 37, fans eagerly await whether Messi will compete in the 2026 World Cup across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.


    These legendary goal scorers have left an indelible mark on the World Cup and football history. As the beautiful game continues to evolve, new stars will surely rise to challenge these records in the years ahead.


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