As Scotland celebrated a 2-1 Nations League victory over North Macedonia, a piece of history quietly unfolded. Andy Robertson earned his 102nd cap, equalling Kenny Dalglish's record for the most appearances in a Scotland shirt. But another milestone loomed larger: John McGinn's brace brought him to 24 international goals, just six behind Dalglish and Denis Law's long-standing record of 30.
A Record in Sight
McGinn, 32, has long been a fan favourite for his tireless displays and infectious personality. Now, he stands on the brink of etching his name alongside two of Scotland's greatest strikers. "It's something that's been in the back of my head," McGinn admitted after the match. "If I start climbing that table, it means we've been successful as a team."
His achievement is all the more remarkable for a midfielder. Scotland has produced fine forwards in recent decades, but none have come close to Dalglish or Law. McGinn's goal-scoring prowess has been a bonus for the national side, with memorable strikes including an overhead kick against Austria and a late winner versus Croatia in 2024.
Form and Resilience
Yet, the past year has been lean by McGinn's standards. He failed to score for Scotland in 2025, the first calendar year without a goal since 2020. Some fans began to question his place in the team. But under new head coach Sebastien Pocognoli, McGinn has rediscovered his scoring touch, both for club and country.
Former Scotland winger Pat Nevin praised McGinn's impact: "Isn't it great to have a John McGinn in your team? He's somebody you'd want to have in your team to be taking a penalty for you. I'd be surprised if John McGinn doesn't get the goal record now. It might take him another year or two, but he is definitely capable of getting that record."
McGinn's recent penalty duties have aided his pursuit. After taking just one spot-kick in his career before this season, he has now scored three and missed one in the current campaign. His resilience was evident when he bounced back from hitting the bar against Fulham to score against Manchester United the following week, later admitting to nerves on ref-cam.
A Beloved Figure
Beyond the goals, McGinn's personality has endeared him to teammates and fans alike. Striker Che Adams, who assisted McGinn's first goal against North Macedonia, said: "He's not going to stop until he gets the record. Everyone's pleased for him, he's the best person I've met in football. For him to get the recognition he deserves is amazing."
McGinn's iconic status is already secure, whether it's his humorous moments in training or his down-to-earth nature. As he continues his chase, the Tartan Army will be willing him on, eager to see if he can surpass the legends and create a new chapter in Scotland's football history.
