Lionel Messi approaches Cristiano Ronaldo’s record with goal in Argentina versus Algeria at the 2026 World Cup


Lionel Messi opened his scoring in the FIFA World Cup, finding the net against Algeria in Argentina’s opening group stage match in Kansas, USA.

In the 17th minute, Messi shot close to the penalty area and got a left-foot strike that rattled the net past Algerian goalkeeper Luca Zidane. It was the 118th goal for the Inter Miami forward, and also his 14th goal at the FIFA World Cups, drawing him level with Kylian Mbappé and Gerd Müller.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is already the second-highest goalscorer in men’s football and is aiming to become the first Argentine to win consecutive World Cup trophies.

Highest goalscorers in international football

Sl. Name Nationality Goals Performances
1. Christiano Ronaldo Portugal 143 228
2. Lionel Messi Argentina 118 200
3. Ali Daei Iran 108 148
4. Sunil Chhetri India 95 157
5. Romelu Lukaku Belgium 90 127
6. Mokhtar Dahari Malaysia 89 142
6. Robert Lewandowski Poland 89 167
8. Ali Mabkhout United Arab Emirates 85 115
9 Ferenc Puskas Hungary/Spain 84 89
10. Godfrey Chitalu Zambia 79 111
10. Harry Kane England 79 114
10. Neymar Brazil 79 128

Published on June 17, 2026



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