The Dallas Cowboys have struggled to give fans many memorable moments at home in recent years. On Monday, June 22, the home of the Cowboys, AT&T Stadium, found itself at the center of sports history thanks to one of the world's biggest stars.

According to an X post from Guinness World Records, Lionel Messi became the all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history during Argentina's match against Austria at AT&T Stadium.

“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," Guinness World Records’ X post read on June 23.

Those achievements added to an already remarkable World Cup run.

At AT&T Stadium, Messi etched his name deeper into World Cup history, setting records for most wins (18) and most minutes played (2,489) in the tournament.

Messi entered the game tied with former Germany striker Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals. After missing an early penalty, the Argentine legend responded later in the first half with a record-breaking strike.

The 38-year-old finished off a counterattack in the 38th minute to score his 17th World Cup goal and became the first person to hold that record. His next goal came in the 95th minute.

Just days earlier, he scored a hat trick at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, further fueling Argentina's World Cup campaign. The 38-year-old is appearing in his sixth World Cup and has continued to perform at this age. He will become 39-years-old this Wednesday, June 24. 

Messi's performance was a moment to celebrate for the Cowboys fans, who have faced more struggles in recent years, missing out on playoff spots.

Messi’s milestone offers Dallas Cowboys fans a different kind of memory

According to an X post by Craig Miller of The Ticket, Dallas lost 25 percent of its last 16 home and away games. That loss has sparked questions after the Cowboys' shocking 48-32 playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers following the 2023 season.

Dallas entered that game undefeated at home during the regular season and carrying Super Bowl aspirations. Later, the Packers stunned the Cowboys in front of their own fans. That loss was personal as the Cowboys were leading 27-0.

The struggles continued with seven home-game losses in 2024 and three in the 2025 season. Dallas finished 7-9-1 under first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer, and missed the playoffs for the second straight year.

As the Cowboys focus on training camp, fans will be eager to see the team bounce back this season.

The Cowboys are still searching for consistency at home, but their stadium experienced Messi's record-breaking performance. This will be a moment that fans at AT&T Stadium and the world will remember for years.

What do you think of Messi's records at Dallas' home ground? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Evince Das

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar