Messi sets new World Cup scoring records with 8 goals

Lionel Messi continues to etch his name in the World Cup history books, achieving a remarkable scoring streak and matching a record that has stood since the inaugural tournament in 1930. During Argentina's dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Messi scored his eighth goal of the current tournament.

This goal extended Messi's scoring run to nine consecutive World Cup matches, a new FIFA World Cup record. He had previously equaled the mark against Austria. His overall World Cup goal tally now stands at an impressive 21, further solidifying his position as the competition's all-time leading scorer.

Furthermore, Messi's eight goals in the 2026 tournament draw him level with Argentine legend Guillermo Stábile for the most goals scored by an Argentine player in a single FIFA World Cup. Stábile achieved this remarkable feat at the 1930 World Cup, scoring eight goals in just five games, a pace Messi has now replicated despite the tournament's evolution.

Beyond his scoring records, Messi's strike against Egypt added another nation to his growing list of World Cup victims. He is now the player who has scored against the most different national teams in FIFA World Cup history. This achievement underscores his consistent impact on the global stage.

The article notes the significant transformation in Messi's scoring output in the latter stages of his career. After netting seven goals in Argentina's 2022 World Cup campaign and only six across his first four appearances (2006-2018), his recent exploits highlight a dramatic increase in his goal-scoring prowess.