Lionel Messi breaks record for career goals scored at the World Cup

Messi separates himself from Germany’s Miroslav Klose, who netted 16 goals in the World Cup.

Argentina star Lionel Messi has set a record for career goals scored at the World Cup, recording his 17th and 18th World Cup goals against Austria on Monday.

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Entering the match tied for the all-time lead, Messi scored the record goal in the 38th minute, burying a left-footed one-timer off a pass from Facundo Medina. Messi had a chance to break the mark much earlier in the match, but he missed a penalty kick wide right in the ninth minute.

During stoppage time in the second half, Messi added to his record, scoring his fifth goal of the tournament to lead Argentina to a 2-0 win.