Lionel Messi has reached a milestone in World Cup history by equaling the all-time goalscoring record with a hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 triumph over Algeria at the start of the 2026 tournament. With this three-goal performance, Messi’s total World Cup goal count now stands at 16, tying him with Germany’s Miroslav Klose, who previously held the record.
As the tournament progresses, Messi is poised to potentially become the highest goalscorer in World Cup history. However, he faces fierce competition from France’s Kylian Mbappé, who also made a strong start by scoring twice in France’s win over Senegal, bringing his World Cup tally to 14 goals. Mbappé’s impressive scoring rate is notable, having achieved this in just 15 World Cup matches.
Messi has taken 27 games to reach Klose’s record, making the competition between him and Mbappé one of the most captivating aspects of the tournament. Meanwhile, Mbappé remains a formidable contender, given his current form and efficiency on the field.
The battle for the top spot in World Cup scoring history includes other football legends such as Brazil’s Ronaldo with 15 goals, Gerd Müller with 14, and Just Fontaine with 13. Pelé, Gabriel Batistuta, and Harry Kane are also among the top scorers, each having scored 10 goals in World Cup matches.
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup unfolds, the quest for the prestigious goalscoring record promises to be a highlight. Messi is on the brink of making history, while Mbappé is eager to usher in a new era, showcasing the thrilling rivalry and talent on display in the tournament.