Report: Lionel Messi breaks FIFA World Cup all-time scoring record

Lionel Messi once again made FIFA World Cup history on Monday.

After missing an early penalty, the Argentina superstar found the back of the net in the 38th-minute for his 17th career World Cup goal, setting a new all-time record. He also scored a stoppage-time goal to extend the record to 18.

Here’s what you need to know.

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New all-time record

Messi tied Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup goalscoring record with a hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 tournament-opening win over Algeria.

Set to celebrate his 39th birthday in two days, Messi originally had a chance to score the record-breaking goal on a penalty shot in the ninth minute, but fired the ball to the right side of the post. He capitalized on another opportunity in the 38th-minute, sending a left-footed shot past Alexander Schlager to open the game’s scoring.

Sealing a 2-0 Argentina win, Messi secured a brace in the 95th-minute on a rebound after a scramble in front of Austria’s net. He has scored all five of Argentina’s World Cup goals at this year’s tournament as the defending champions clinched a spot in the Round of 32. After two games, Argentina leads Group J with six points and a plus-five goal differential.

Messi has now scored in six straight World Cup games. The Argentine legend set the goalscoring record in his 28th World Cup game, which is also a record. In addition, Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo share the joint record for most World Cups at six.

Messi entered the day as a +275 Golden Boot co-favourite along with England’s Harry Kane.