Messi Breaks World Cup Goals Record as Star Strikers Surge in 2022 Tournament

Argentina’s Lionel Messi has surpassed the all-time FIFA World Cup goal record with 13 goals, according to FIFA’s official statistics, as multiple forwards dominate the 2022 tournament. The 35-year-old, who scored twice in Argentina’s 3-3 draw with France, now holds the top spot, but he is not the only player rewriting history.

Mbappé’s Rise to France’s Top Scorer

France’s Kylian Mbappé has become the nation’s leading World Cup scorer, netting five goals in the 2022 tournament. The 24-year-old forward, who scored in the final against Argentina, has drawn comparisons to the legendary Just Fontaine, who holds the single-tournament record of 13 goals from 1958. “Kylian Mbappé is part of the generation which [has] that fearless factor,” former France defender Gael Clichy told BBC Sport. “This generation, they have respect, but differently. Don’t talk about age, talk about performance.”

Haaland’s Rapid Ascent for Norway

Norway’s Erling Haaland has stunned fans by scoring four goals in just two World Cup matches, becoming the nation’s all-time top scorer in the competition. The 23-year-old, who plays for Manchester City, has notched two braces on the global stage. Norway’s head coach, Stale Solbakken, praised Haaland’s impact, stating, “He is the best striker—he is not playing for France or Argentina, he scores for Norway. He’s scored four goals now, two braces on the biggest stage.”

Kane Matches Lineker’s England Record

England’s Harry Kane equalled Gary Lineker’s World Cup goal record of six goals, achieving the feat in the 2022 tournament. The 30-year-old, who plays for Tottenham Hotspur, has been a consistent threat for the Three Lions. Kane’s performance has reignited discussions about the potential for more goals in the expanded 32-team format, which has increased opportunities for top strikers.

The 32-Team Format and Goal-Scoring Trends

The 2022 World Cup, featuring 32 teams, has seen a surge in goal-scoring compared to previous tournaments. While the 48-team format is set for 2026, the current structure has already allowed lower-ranked teams to create scoring chances for elite forwards. “The World Cup winners will also have to play one more round than ever before—again increasing the chance for goals,” a FIFA analyst noted. Only three players—Fontaine, Gerd Müller, and Sandor Kocsis—have previously scored double figures in a single World Cup.

Young Stars Aim to Break Fontaine’s Legacy

With the tournament nearing its conclusion, several players are targeting Fontaine’s 1958 record of 13 goals. Mbappé, Haaland, and Messi are among those in contention, though the latter has downplayed the Golden Boot race. “It’s not something I’m thinking about right now,” Mbappé said. “Leo always scores. He always has and always will.”

USA’s Folarin Balogun Seeks to Join the Elite

American striker Folarin Balogun, who scored twice in the U.S. team’s opening matches, acknowledged the challenge of competing with the likes of Messi and Mbappé. “I think it’s annoying. Seeing players like Messi, Mbappé