Lionel Messi has equaled the all-time FIFA World Cup goalscoring record after scoring a hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria at the start of the 2026 tournament. This impressive three-goal display has brought Messi’s World Cup total to 16 goals, tying him with Germany’s Miroslav Klose, who previously held the record.
With more matches to go in the tournament, Messi is now poised to become the top goalscorer in World Cup history. However, he faces stiff competition from France’s Kylian Mbappé, who also made a strong start by scoring twice in France’s opening match against Senegal. Mbappé’s two goals bring his World Cup tally to 14, putting him in close contention for the record.
Mbappé’s achievement is particularly notable as he has reached 14 World Cup goals in just 15 appearances, showcasing his exceptional scoring efficiency. In contrast, Messi has taken 27 matches to reach Klose’s record, highlighting the different paths each player has taken to reach the top of the scoring charts.
The all-time World Cup scoring leaderboard is filled with legendary names. Alongside Klose and Messi, it includes Brazil’s Ronaldo with 15 goals, Gerd Müller at 14, Just Fontaine with 13, and both Pelé and Gabriel Batistuta, alongside Harry Kane, who each have 10 goals.
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup unfolds, the battle for the tournament’s prestigious goalscoring title promises to be one of its most captivating storylines. Messi is on the brink of making history, while Mbappé is eager to usher in a new era at the pinnacle of World Cup scoring.