Forty years after Maradona’s ‘hand of god’, Argentina’s Messi becomes all-time World Cup top scorer (opens original article in a new tab)

Lionel Messi surpassed the World Cup goal-scoring record during the 2026 tournament, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal, as Argentine fans celebrated both football legends.

• Argentina's Messi becomes all-time World Cup top scorer with 18 goals
• 40th anniversary of Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal coincides with Messi's record
• Fans in Buenos Aires celebrate both Maradona and Messi's World Cup achievements
• Messi's father's illness was kept private to avoid affecting his focus