World Cup: Messi Sets All-Time Scoring Record

Is this a timeless achievement or just a placeholder for Mbappé's inevitable reign?

5 days ago·Updated 3 days ago

World Cup: Messi Sets All-Time Scoring Record

Story

Above: Lionel Messi celebrates his goal against Austria at Dallas Stadium, Arlington, on June 22. Image credit: Tullio Puglia/FIFA/Getty Images

The Spin

Narrative A

Messi's record-breaking performance at age 38 was a coronation. He has silenced any remaining GOAT debate while carrying Argentina to another World Cup knockout round. While others peak and fade, he keeps rewriting what's possible calmly and inevitably, as if history itself were just another defender to leave behind.

ESPN New York Daily News

Narrative B

Messi's achievement is remarkable but may not last long. Mbappé, at 27 with 16 goals in just 16 matches, boasts a superior scoring rate and has time on his side. Meanwhile, the true untouchable record in World Cup history remains that of Just Fontaine, who scored 13 goals in a single tournament in 1958.

DPA L'Équipe