Lionel Messi has equaled the all-time FIFA World Cup goalscoring record after delivering a hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 triumph over Algeria, marking a powerful start to the 2026 tournament. This impressive performance brought Messi’s World Cup goal tally to 16, putting him on par with Germany’s Miroslav Klose, who held the record for many years.
With the tournament still unfolding, Messi is now poised to potentially become the highest scorer in World Cup history. However, he is expected to face fierce competition from France’s Kylian Mbappé. In France’s opening match against Senegal, Mbappé scored twice, elevating his World Cup total to 14 goals, showcasing his exceptional scoring abilities.
Mbappé’s achievement of reaching 14 goals in just 15 World Cup appearances underscores his remarkable efficiency on the field. Meanwhile, Messi has matched Klose’s record in 27 matches. As the tournament continues, Mbappé remains a strong contender, well within reach of surpassing the record himself.
Other legendary players featured prominently on the World Cup scoring chart include Brazil’s Ronaldo with 15 goals, Gerd Müller of Germany with 14, Just Fontaine with 13, and icons like Pelé with 12 goals. Additionally, Gabriel Batistuta and Harry Kane have both netted 10 goals in their World Cup careers.
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup progresses, this competition for the top scorer title is emerging as one of the tournament’s most captivating narratives. While Messi seeks to solidify his legacy by making history, Mbappé aims to usher in a new era at the summit of World Cup goalscoring records.