local
Lionel Messi becomes top scorer in World Cup history with 2 more goals for Argentina
By Stephen Hawkins, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)
· June 22, 2026
· 5 min read
Scoring goals and breaking records is what Lionel Messi does, and he is already doing that again in his sixth World Cup.The Argentina captain has the World Cup scoring record all to himself after another standout performance, one that began with frustration after missing a penalty kick and ended ...
Key takeaway That gave him 18, six days after his first-ever hat trick in the tournament had matched Germany striker Miroslav Klose's previous record for World Cup goals.
Why this matters in The Pearland
The record-breaking achievement of Lionel Messi has sent shockwaves of excitement among soccer fans in Pearland , where the sport has a significant following. As the Houston area celebrates Messi's 17th World Cup goal, local residents are reminded of the city's own thriving soccer community. With several parks and fields dedicated to the sport, Pearland has become a hub for youth and adult soccer leagues, fostering a love for the game that transcends international borders. As Argentina continues its World Cup campaign, Pearland residents will be watching closely, inspired by Messi's perseverance and skill on the field. The city's diverse population, with a strong Hispanic influence, adds to the enthusiasm surrounding the World Cup, making Messi's record-breaking goal a topic of conversation in local households, schools, and community centers.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . The Pearland surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 22, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Scoring goals and breaking records is what Lionel Messi does, and he is already doing that again in his sixth World Cup.The Argentina captain has the World Cup scoring record all to himself after another standout performance, one that began with frustration after missing a penalty kick and ended ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 22, 2026 by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for The Pearland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Stephen Hawkins, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how The Pearland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Pearland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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