Messi Equals Klose’s All-Time World Cup Goals Record
Lionel Messi has drawn level with Miroslav Klose at the top of the all-time World Cup goalscoring charts after netting a hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria at the 2026 tournament. The three strikes took the Inter Miami forward to 16 World Cup goals across his career, matching the German legend’s long-standing record.
According to The Guardian, Messi had been closing in on Klose’s benchmark heading into this summer’s competition, and he wasted no time in reaching it with a clinical display in Argentina’s opening group game.
Close behind him is Kylian Mbappé, who helped France to a winning start against Senegal with a brace, bringing his own career World Cup tally to 14 goals. Mbappé made his tournament debut eight years ago and, still in the prime of his career, represents the most credible threat to any record Messi might go on to set. The two are now engaged in what could become one of the great individual rivalries in World Cup history — not just chasing a winner’s medal, but also the title of the competition’s greatest ever goalscorer.
For England supporters, Harry Kane remains the focus of attention domestically. The Bayern Munich striker has eight World Cup goals to his name and would need a productive 2026 campaign to push himself into the upper reaches of the all-time standings. He is not yet in the top 20 but a strong run for England could change that quickly.
The all-time list, compiled using Transfermarkt data and featured in The Guardian’s interactive, ranks players level on goals by the number of appearances it took them to reach that tally — rewarding efficiency as well as longevity.
With the group stage still in its early stages, the numbers are set to shift fast. Keep across all the action, results and qualifying scenarios via our World Cup 2026 hub and check the live standings to follow the Golden Boot race as it develops.
Whether Messi can edge clear of Klose’s record — and whether Mbappé can ultimately overhaul him — looks set to be one of the defining storylines of the entire tournament.