Lionel Messi Edges Closer to World Cup Goals Record as Miroslav Klose’s Legacy Faces Challenge

Messi now has 20 goals in the tournament.

France’s Kylian Mbappé has 19 goals all time at the World Cup. Mbappé scored a hat trick in the 2022 final.

Miroslav Klose’s Record and the Current Standings

His 71 international goals for Germany also stand as a national record.

Messi, who has scored in every World Cup he has played since 2006 except 2010, has 20 goals. He scored seven goals at the 2022 World Cup.

Kylian Mbappé’s Ascent and the Race for the Record

Mbappé has 19 goals in 20 World Cup matches, including four in 2018 and eight in 2022. His 2022 final hat trick against Argentina made him the second player to score a hat trick in a World Cup final.

At the 2026 tournament, he has seven so far, bringing his total to 19.

Historic Names and Unbreakable Records

Other legends include Brazil’s Ronaldo, who scored 15 World Cup goals, and Gerd Müller, who netted 14 goals in 1970 and 1974.

France’s Just Fontaine holds the record for most goals in a single World Cup, scoring 13 in 1958. It’s been 68 years since he set that record, and no one has come close to breaking it.

What’s Next for the All-Time Goalscorers List?

The 2026 World Cup could see significant shifts in the rankings. Messi and Mbappé are both adding to their totals, while veteran players like England’s Harry Kane (14 goals) and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo (11 goals) continue to add to their totals.

As the competition progresses, fans will watch closely to see if Messi or Mbappé can rewrite