Messi and Mbappe Eye World Cup Records as Klose’s Legacy Awaits

Argentinian superstar Lionel Messi continues his pursuit of record-breaking achievements as he sets his sights on another milestone to add to his illustrious career with both club and country.

Currently, German forward Miroslav Klose holds the title of all-time top scorer in FIFA World Cup history, a record he achieved during the 2014 tournament, finishing with a total of 16 goals scored across four consecutive appearances from 2002 to 2014.

Brazilian legend Ronaldo ranks second with 15 goals, having dominated the top scorer list for many years before Klose claimed the record during the Brazil World Cup.

In third place is German icon Gerd Müller, who concluded his World Cup journey with 13 goals. Müller held the historical record for over three decades before gradually slipping down the rankings.

Intense Battle for World Cup Scoring Crown

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, attention turns to several stars who could threaten Klose’s record, with Messi and Frenchman Kylian Mbappe appearing to be the closest contenders for this historic achievement.

The Argentine captain currently sits fourth on the all-time World Cup scorers list with 13 goals amassed from his appearances between 2006 and 2022, tying with French legend Just Fontaine, who famously scored in the 1958 tournament.

This means Messi needs just four more goals in the upcoming World Cup to match Klose’s tally. Scoring five would allow him to take sole possession of first place in the historical rankings, especially with an increase in matches for teams reaching the finals.

Kylian Mbappe is also rapidly advancing in the scoring race, boasting 12 goals scored during the 2018 and 2022 tournaments, which places him level with Brazilian great Pelé on the scoring list.

The French star similarly needs four goals to reach Klose’s total but would need five to secure sole ownership of the title of all-time top scorer in World Cup history.

The competition isn’t limited to just Messi and Mbappe; active players such as Brazilian Neymar da Silva, Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo, and English striker Harry Kane—who was the top scorer in the 2018 tournament—each have eight goals to their names in World Cup play.