Lionel Messi has become the FIFA World Cup's all-time leading goalscorer, netting his 17th and 18th tournament goals in Argentina's 2-0 victory over Austria. The milestone moves him clear of Germany's Miroslav Klose, who previously held the record with 16 goals. Messi's achievement comes as he prepares to celebrate his 39th birthday, marking two decades since his World Cup debut at the 2006 tournament in Germany.
Adidas Campaign Retraces Messi's World Cup Journey
Adidas has launched a new campaign to commemorate Messi's record, retracing his journey across six World Cups. The campaign features a film that revisits Messi's World Cup story from Germany 2006 through to the current 2026 tournament hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. The film looks back at the goals, celebrations, and defining moments that have shaped his international career.
One of the campaign's most striking visuals shows Messi standing beneath a suspended Adidas F50 El Ultimo Tango boot, surrounded by the official Adidas match balls associated with his World Cup goals. From the Teamgeist used for his first goal in 2006 to the Trionda being used at the 2026 tournament, the collection visually traces the journey behind his record-breaking 18-goal tally.
From Teenager to Legend: Two Decades of Dominance
When Messi scored against Serbia and Montenegro in 2006, he was an emerging talent making his mark on football's biggest stage. Now, two decades later, he is still scoring. The game has changed dramatically: players have retired, new stars have emerged, and Lionel Scaloni, once Messi's teammate, is now the World Cup-winning coach guiding Argentina's title defense. Yet Messi remains at the center of it all.
Many expected Messi's international career to conclude after lifting the World Cup trophy in Qatar in 2022. Instead, he returned for a sixth World Cup and has already scored five goals at the 2026 tournament. His latest double against Austria took his tally to 18 World Cup goals, a mark that now stands alone at the top of football's biggest tournament.
Argentina's Next Match and Messi's Birthday
Argentina's next match is against Jordan on June 28, with Messi set to celebrate his 39th birthday on June 24. The Adidas campaign captures the goals, moments, and memories behind his journey. Yet perhaps its most striking message is how much of the story has unfolded across generations. Much has changed since 2006, yet Messi's World Cup story continues.
