Lionel Messi has equaled the all-time FIFA World Cup goalscoring record, following his stunning hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 win against Algeria at the outset of the 2026 tournament. This remarkable performance elevated Messi’s World Cup goal tally to 16, putting him on par with the record set by Germany’s Miroslav Klose.
With more games ahead, Messi is now a strong contender to become the leading goalscorer in World Cup history. However, he faces stiff competition from France’s Kylian Mbappé, who netted twice in his team’s opening victory over Senegal, boosting his World Cup total to 14 goals.
Mbappé’s scoring prowess is underscored by his efficiency, having achieved this milestone in just 15 World Cup matches. In comparison, Messi has reached Klose’s 16-goal record in 27 appearances, yet the French forward remains well within reach as the tournament unfolds.
The all-time World Cup scoring chart is graced by football icons such as Brazil’s Ronaldo with 15 goals, Gerd Müller with 14, Just Fontaine with 13, Pelé with 12, and both Gabriel Batistuta and Harry Kane, each with 10 goals.
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup progresses, the chase for the most coveted goalscoring record in football is poised to be one of the tournament’s most thrilling narratives, with Messi striving to etch his name in history and Mbappé eager to usher in a new era at the top.