Fans erupted in celebration as Lionel Messi shattered the World Cup’s all-time goalscoring record, powering Argentina to a 2-0 victory over Austria and extending his tally to 17 goals one ahead of Miroslav Klose’s previous mark.
Guinness World Records wasted no time honoring the milestone, flooding X with tributes to Messi’s historic achievement.
”All the records broken by Lionel Messi today:
Most FIFA World Cup finals goals by a football (soccer) player – 18
Most FIFA World Cup matches played in by an individual – 28
Most matches won by a player at the football (soccer) FIFA World Cup – 18
Most minutes played in the football (soccer) FIFA World Cup – 2,489″
Sports journalist Pooja captured the passion divide, declaring, “Argentina players want to fight for Messi. Portugal players want to fight with Ronaldo.”
Sawdinho 1 hailed Messi’s dominance, posting, “Argentina have scored 5 goals in this World Cup and ALL 5 of them have been scored by MESSI!!! Absolutely Incredible!!!”
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One skeptical voice pushed back on Messi’s style, noting, “Argentina has scored 5 goals in this World Cup and they were all scored by Messi. He has not produced a single assist. His selfishness will eventually cost them. I’m a very patient man.”
Lerry cheered Messi’s brilliance with a playful jab, writing, “Messi it’s okay, they know now!!!!!”
Bernesse boldly predicted glory ahead, stating, “Argentina can genuinely win the World Cup back to back and I’m not even exaggerating.”
Mr. Kenny Ogunmiloro publicly switched allegiance in a viral Facebook post, announcing, “Apologies to all Cristiano Ronaldo fans, I am not ashamed to say that Messi is the GOAT of this generation. The closest to him is CR7, Messi is the GREATEST!! If you argue this, I fit block you cuz you no love Ronaldo pass me 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂.”
Oyelola Oyetunji, a self-proclaimed Ronaldo supporter, praised Messi’s natural talent, explaining, “Ronaldo is a Hard Achiever while Messi is a Genius. While a Hard Achiever keeps engaging in serious training to meet up with standards, a genius doesn’t stress himself in achieving greatness. That’s the best way I can explain the duo even though I am a Ronaldo fan.
Ayanfe Oluwaferanmi Micheal cheered on the post, adding, “Mr Kenny Ogunmiloro, E no go spoil for you lailai……G.O.A.T by doings and standard.”
Opakunle Adekunle stood firm with Ronaldo, insisting, “We still dey with Ronaldo, if messi like make him score 50 goals per match.”
In the process, Messi also broke several other major records: most FIFA World Cup finals goals (18), most matches played (28), most matches won (18), and most minutes played (2,489). Supporters across platforms declared they were witnessing history in real time.