KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Lionel Messi has joined Germany’s Miroslav Klose at the top of the FIFA World Cup’s all-time scoring chart with 16 goals, after netting a hat trick in Argentina’s 2026 World Cup opener against Algeria on Wednesday.
The milestone places Messi alongside Klose, who set the record in 2014, as the most prolific scorers in the tournament’s history. Messi has now scored across six World Cups, beginning in 2006, while Klose reached his tally in four editions between 2002 and 2014.
Brazil’s Ronaldo Nazário follows closely with 15 goals, while France’s Kylian Mbappé and Germany’s Gerd Müller each have 14. Mbappé, still only 27, has achieved his total in just 15 matches, underscoring his potential to surpass both Messi and Klose before the end of the tournament.
The official FIFA list highlights the enduring legacy of past legends such as Just Fontaine, who scored 13 goals in a single World Cup in 1958, and Pelé, who amassed 12 across four tournaments. Other notable names include Argentina’s Gabriel Batistuta, England’s Gary Lineker, and Germany’s Thomas Müller, each with 10 goals.
Globally, the record underscores the World Cup’s role as football’s ultimate stage, where careers are defined and national pride is magnified. Messi’s achievement adds another chapter to his storied career, already decorated with a Copa América title and a 2022 World Cup triumph.
Reactions have poured in from fans and analysts worldwide. Argentine supporters celebrated Messi’s feat as proof of his longevity and consistency, while German commentators noted the symbolic passing of the torch from Klose’s era to Messi’s. FIFA officials hailed the updated list as a reminder of the tournament’s rich history and its ability to unite generations of players and fans.
With the 2026 World Cup still in its early stages, attention now turns to whether Messi or Mbappé can break clear of Klose’s record, setting a new benchmark for future stars.
