Lionel Messi's 18 World Cup goals, one by one

Lionel Messi has cemented his status as the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history, netting his 18th goal in the tournament against Austria. This latest strike moved him past the previous record holder, Germany's Miroslav Klose, who had scored 16 goals.

Messi's World Cup journey began in 2006 against Serbia and Montenegro, where he scored his first goal with his right foot in a dominant 6-0 victory. His scoring continued through subsequent tournaments, including two goals against Nigeria in Brazil 2014, one of which was a powerful left-footed shot after a rebound, and another from a free-kick, his only one of its kind in the World Cups.

He also scored a memorable late goal against Iran in 2014 and added another against Nigeria in the same tournament. In Russia 2018, Messi showcased his brilliance with a skillful double control and cross-body shot against Nigeria to open the scoring in a crucial group stage match. His goal against Saudi Arabia in Qatar 2022, though a penalty, was the first of his campaign in that tournament.

Perhaps his most significant World Cup goal came against Mexico in Qatar 2022, a strike that broke the deadlock and ignited Argentina's campaign, ultimately leading them to victory. He also scored against Australia in Qatar, a goal initiated by his tenacity in winning a throw-in and a subsequent one-two pass. The article meticulously lists and describes each of these 18 goals, providing context for each strike within the narrative of the tournaments.