Eighteen goals. Five World Cups. One name above every other on the all-time list. On Monday, June 22, 2026, Lionel Messi scored twice in Argentina's 2-0 victory over Austria at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, to become the greatest goal scorer in World Cup history. His 17th goal, fired past the goalkeeper in the 38th minute, broke the men's record of 16 held by Germany's Miroslav Klose. His 18th, added deep in stoppage time, surpassed Brazil's Marta for the overall record across men's and women's tournaments. USA TODAY captured the moment in a special 2026 World Cup Commemorative Edition, its front page dominated by a single word — "MESSI!" — above a photo of the Argentine legend celebrating in front of the net.
This print reproduces that USA TODAY front page from Monday, June 22, 2026. The layout features the iconic celebration image, a sidebar listing the all-time World Cup goal leaders — Messi at 18, Kylian Mbappé and Miroslav Klose tied at 16, Ronaldo at 15, and Gerd Müller at 14 — and captions detailing both record-breaking strikes against Austria. It is a snapshot of the day the greatest player of his generation etched his name at the very top of the sport's most storied record book.
Available as an art-only print, canvas, metal print, or framed in a variety of finishes, this piece fits a living room, office, sports bar, or fan cave. It also makes a perfect gift for any soccer fan, Messi admirer, or collector of historic front pages.