Former Germany forward Mirsolav Kolse congratulated Messi as he surpassed the former who had held the record with 16 World cup goals. In a media interaction praising Messi he said, “”For me, Lionel Messi is the best footballer of all time! Congratulations, champion!”. Kolse held the record for straight 12 years netting at every final between 2002 and 2014. He scored five goals each at the 2002 and 2006 World cups before netting four times in 2010 and twice in 2014.
Speaking prior to the tournament, and in anticipation of Messi breaking his record, Klose told FIFA, “Messi is simply Messi. I’ve always admired the way he solved problems and the way he carried himself as a person, even on the pitch.”
Lionel Messi might have missed an early penalty but proved to be the messi-ah by the end of the night with two goals in 2026 FIFA World cup. The Argentina captain became the tournament’s all-time leading scorer as the reigning champions booked their place in the knockout rounds. Argentina achieved a 2-0 victory over Austria in Dallas where Messi broke his own record making him the first men’s player ever to appear inseix editions of the tournament in a streak from 2006- 2026.
The 38 year old later broke Marta’s overall record when he added a second late on, his 18th World Cup goal. The footballing icon took his tally to 18 in total, including five in two games in North America to lead the race for the Golden Boot. Argentina are now all-but guaranteed to win Group J and face last-32 opponents in Messi’s adopted home of Miami
Messi admitted his blockbuster start to the finals had been spectacular – but was taking its toll. Messi, who also missed a first half penalty, said: “I’m tired and I’m running on fumes. It’s hard to think. He added, “But I’m enjoying this moment and looking forward to being with my teammates. It’s been spectacular how it has all unfolded.