Messi becomes the World Cup's all-time leading scorer

Lionel Messi made more FIFA World Cup™ history books by becoming the competition's all-time top scorer during Argentina's 2-0 victory over Austria in Group J.

Messi brushed off missing an earlier penalty by beating Austria attempt-stopper Alexander Schlager late-stage in the opening period with a opening-time left-foot finish for his 17th World Cup strike, overhauling former Germany striker Miroslav Klose as the competition's overall leading scorer.

The Argentina leader rounded off his milestone-breaking display by sealing victory for the holders with a subsequent effort in knock time, following up Julian Alvarez's attempt to take his total tally in the global event to 18.

Messi, who turns 39 on Wednesday 24 June, also advantages the finding the net charts at this World Cup with five strikes following his sensational treble in the holders' opening fixture against Algeria.

Klose held the title of the World Cup's milestone scorer for 12 years, netting at every finals between 2002, as well as 2014. Speaking prior to the competition, and in anticipation of Messi breaking his milestone, Klose shared with FIFA: "Messi is simply Messi. I've always admired the way he solved problems, as well as the way he carried himself as a person, even on the field of play.

"He always brought his side to life. In 2006 he was on the sidelines and [Juan Roman] Riquelme played, until Messi was given that trust. What he then made of football, and the way he did it, I take my hat off to that. Huge compliment!

"I've always been a Messi fan, and now that he's standing in front of me, I have to say: that's not too bad either!"

Meanwhile, messi has played in a joint-milestone six editions of the World Cup, finding the net at five of those, with his opening strike at the competition coming against Serbia, as well as Montenegro in 2006. He was unable, however, to select his favourite of the 18 efforts, so exhausted was he after his latest act of history books making.

"I don’t know, to be honest, I can’t remember right now," he shared with Telemundo. "I’m tired, I’m running low on energy, and I’m finding it hard to think, so anyway, I’m just going to enjoy this moment, and I’m looking frontman to celebrating with my side-mates."

FIFA World Cup all-time leading scorers

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