Soccer

Lionel Messi Sets New World Cup Scoring Record Ahead of 2026 Tournament

Commemorative prints from the USA TODAY Store celebrate the milestone as Argentina prepares for its final group match

A Milestone in World Cup History

Lionel Messi added two goals to his World Cup tally on Tuesday, pushing his career total to 18 and surpassing every previous scorer in the tournament's history. The achievement unfolded during Argentina's final group‑stage match against Jordan, a contest in which the star forward started on the bench before entering the game in the second half.

Supporters can now mark the occasion with commemorative page prints from the USA TODAY Store. The prints showcase a dynamic image of Messi in action and are available in multiple sizes, with options to purchase either framed or unframed, giving fans flexibility in how they display the historic memorabilia.

Looking Ahead to 2026

The celebration of Messi's record coincides with the upcoming 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup, scheduled to run from June 11 through July 19, with the final set to be played in New York City. The tournament will feature an expanded 48‑team format and is expected to amplify the global excitement surrounding the sport.

Orders placed through the USA TODAY Store are typically processed within two to five business days, ensuring that fans can receive their commemorative prints in time to join the worldwide conversation about the competition.

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