You can’t ask for more, but you always have more. Lionel Messi He could have stepped aside after the maximum consecration in Qatar 2022. In fact, he said: “That’s it, that’s it,” as soon as the match finished and after spotting his family in the audience. Because there were too many years of suffering and the level of demand that marks a footballer is savage. But he felt he had to continue. And, for the good of Argentina, he decided to continue. With his two goals this afternoon against Austria, he surpassed the 16 goals of the German Miroslav Klose and is the top scorer of the World Cup alone.
Below, all the goals, one by one:
1) To Serbia and Montengro in Germany 2006
In a defined match, on the second date of the 2006 tournament, José Pekerman sent him to the court and he did not need much time to show all his talent. Curiously, his first was with his right leg. Argentina won 6 to 0.
2) To Bosnia Herzegovina in Brazil 2014
It’s strange, but being one of his least remembered goals, it’s one of the ones he screamed the loudest. The thing is that he had spent the entire 2010 South Africa tournament without being able to score. It was in the Argentine debut against Bosnia, in a 2-1 victory.
3) To Iran in Brazil 2014
Another important relief for the selection. Iran appeared as an accessible rival, but was a worthy opponent with a relentless defense. Messi put the team on his shoulder in the final minute and took an unforgettable left foot shot.
4) The first to Nigeria in Brazil 2014
Just three minutes of the game against Nigeria were enough for him to score his third goal in the World Cup and the first of the game. He rushed in to finish with a violent left-footed shot after the goalkeeper rebounded a shot from Di María.
5) The second to Nigeria in Brazil 2014
The second that same day was at the close of the first half with an exquisite free kick. It is his only goal that way in the World Cup. Argentina won the group undefeated after that 3-2 against the Africans.
6) To Nigeria in Russia 2018
A gem that must be seen in slow motion to understand all the talent of the Argentine captain. It was on the last date of the Group in that World Cup. With the elimination hanging by a thread. Magic double control right cross for 1-0. In the end it was 2-1 with an agonizing goal from Marcos Rojo.
7) To Saudi Arabia in Qatar 2022
The first gem of Qatar 2022, from a penalty. But it didn’t help much. The Asians’ 2-1 victory put the entire development of the tournament in doubt. But Messi said it: “This team is not going to leave them stranded.”
8) To Mexico in Qatar 2022
The most important goal in his history with the national team. Yes, even above those he scored in the final against France. Argentina did not react and was very close to elimination. The break against Mexico was thanks to the Argentine genius. It was 2-0 and the definitive takeoff in that tournament.
9) To Australia in Qatar 2022
Another work created with his seal. He fought the ball first to gain a side. He then linked the play and used Otamendi as a wall to score his first World Cup goal in direct elimination matches in the World Cup. The 2-1 score against the Australians put Argentina in the quarterfinals.
10) To Netherlands in Qatar 2022
Hot match, heart-stopping ending. After taking this penalty, Messi gave Louis Van Gaal the Topo Gigio. Then came the Dutch tie, the penalties, the Draw Martínez and the best-known story.
11) To Croatia in Qatar 2022
Another penalty. The most difficult of all. Livakovic, the Croatian goalkeeper, had just saved three shots against Japan. The Argentine captain did not hesitate and scored the first of that 3-0 to reach the final.
12) The first to France in Qatar 2022
Opening the score in a world final, another account settled by Messi. Very calmly, from a penalty, against Hugo Lloris.
13) The second to France in Qatar 2022
A lot of mystery, intrigue, for a VAR review that seemed eternal. In a formidable play by Argentina, he collected another rebound, after Lautaro Martínez’s shot, and scored the Argentine’s third of the final.
14) The first to Algeria in USA 2026
Another difficult game, he received in his favorite area and took an unforgettable shot to open the scoring.
15) The second to Algeria in USA 2026
The poor response from Zidane, the Algerian goalkeeper, is the first thing that remains visible. But few noticed the serenity of the Argentine goalscorer. He didn’t rush, he waited until the majority had jumped madly at the ball. It was the 2-0 that gave peace of mind.
16) The third to Algeria in USA 2026
Historical. The goal he scored a thousand times, but this time to reach the record for World Cup goals. His first hat-trick in the World Cup, against Algeria (3-0).
17) The first to Austria in USA 2026
Another example of resilience. Just after missing a penalty. When it seemed that discouragement was enveloping him, he entered the center of the area and finished with class after a good reading by Thiago Almada, who opened his legs to let him define from the front.
18) The second to Austria in USA 2026
Suffering seems to be a trademark of this team. And Austria had Lionel Scaloni’s team cornered. The final minutes didn’t pass anymore… until Messi put together the play from the right, got into the area and after a series of rebounds, scored 2-0. Historical, It can be measured, there are 18, but it is incommensurable.
