Lionel Messi has equaled the all-time FIFA World Cup goalscoring record, following his hat-trick in Argentina’s commanding 3-0 win over Algeria in the opening match of the 2026 tournament. This impressive feat has brought Messi’s World Cup goals tally to 16, placing him alongside Germany’s Miroslav Klose, whose record has stood unchallenged for years.
As the tournament progresses, Messi is poised to set a new record as the highest goalscorer in World Cup history. However, he will need to fend off competition from France’s Kylian Mbappé, who also made a strong start by scoring twice in France’s victory over Senegal. Mbappé’s World Cup goal count now stands at 14, showcasing his exceptional scoring ability in just 15 appearances.
Messi, who has reached this milestone after 27 matches, is level with Klose’s record, while Mbappé remains a formidable contender with plenty of opportunities to close the gap. The French forward’s efficiency and rapid accumulation of goals signal a thrilling race for the top spot in the all-time scoring chart as the World Cup unfolds.
The list of World Cup goalscoring legends also includes Brazil’s Ronaldo, who netted 15 goals, along with Gerd Müller with 14, and Just Fontaine with 13. Other notable names are Pelé with 12 goals and both Gabriel Batistuta and Harry Kane, each with 10 goals to their names.
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues, the competition for the title of the greatest World Cup goalscorer promises to be one of the most captivating storylines. With Messi vying to make history and Mbappé eager to herald a new era, fans around the world will be closely following each match to see who will ultimately claim the prestigious record.