The FIFA World Cup has always been home to some of football’s most iconic goal-scoring records. Many legends have created history in this tournament, and now Lionel Messi has added another special moment to that list.
Today, June 17, the match between Argentina vs Algeria, Messi scored a hat-trick and helped Argentina win 3-0 in their 1st game of the tournament. With these three goals, Messi has now reached 16 World Cup goals in his career.
This means Lionel Messi has matched Germany legend Miroslav Klose, who also scored 16 goals in World Cup history. Both players are now on top of the all-time World Cup scoring chart.
The race for the record is becoming even more exciting. France star player, Kylian Mbappe is also very close to overtake both players with 14 World Cup goals. If he continues his strong form, he could soon challenge Messi and Klose for the top spot.
With Messi, Klose, and Mbappe in the race, the battle for the World Cup goal-scoring record is going to be the talking point in this World Cup.
Top 12 Highest Goal Scorers in FIFA World Cup History
| Rank | Player | Country | Goals |
| 1 | Lionel Messi | Argentina | 16 |
| 1 | Miroslav Klose | Germany | 16 |
| 3 | Ronaldo Nazario | Brazil | 15 |
| 4 | Kylian Mbappe | France | 14 |
| 4 | Gerd Muller | West Germany | 14 |
| 6 | Just Fontaine | France | 13 |
| 7 | Pele | Brazil | 12 |
| 8 | Sandor Kocsis | Hungary | 11 |
| 8 | Jurgen Klinsmann | Germany | 11 |
| 10 | Helmut Rahn | West Germany | 10 |
| 10 | Gary Lineker | England | 10 |
| 10 | Gabriel Batistuta | Argentina | 10 |
Messi Joins Klose at the Top
Messi’s hat-trick against Algeria was a very special moment in World Cup history. He scored three goals and helped Argentina win the match 3-0.
With these goals, Messi has now reached 16 World Cup goals. This means he has joined Germany legend Miroslav Klose at the top of the all-time World Cup goal scorers list.
Messi was already known as one of the greatest football players in the world. Now, this record has made his World Cup story even bigger.
This achievement is also very important because Argentina still has more matches to play. If Messi scores again, he can move ahead of Klose and become the highest goal scorer in FIFA World Cup history.
For Messi fans, this is a proud moment. For football fans, it has made the race for the World Cup scoring record even more exciting.
Mbappe Closing In Fast
Kylian Mbappe is also moving up the list very quickly. The France forward has now scored 14 goals in World Cup matches and is only two goals behind Lionel Messi and Miroslav Klose.
What makes Mbappe’s record special is the pace at which he has achieved it. At a young age, he has already shown that he can handle pressure on the biggest stage. Whether it is scoring in important matches, leading France’s attack, or stepping up when his team needs him most, Mbappe has already built a strong World Cup legacy.
With his speed, finishing ability, and big-match mentality, Mbappe looks like one of the strongest candidates to break the all-time World Cup scoring record. If he continues this form, it may only be a matter of time before he reaches the top of the list.
Legends Who Shaped World Cup History
Before Messi and Mbappe grabbed the headlines, several football legends dominated the World Cup scoring charts. Ronaldo Nazario, Gerd Muller, Just Fontaine and Pele are among the greatest names on the list.
Ronaldo scored 15 World Cup goals during his career and held one of the top spots for many years. Just Fontaine’s record of 13 goals in a single World Cup tournament is still one of the most amazing achievements in football.
Pele also remains one of the biggest icons in World Cup history. The Brazilian legend won the tournament three times and inspired generations of football fans around the world.
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Final Thoughts
The race to become the highest scorer in FIFA World Cup history is more exciting than ever. Messi has drawn level with Klose at the top, while Mbappe continues to move closer with every goal he scores.
With both players still active and chasing more records, fans could soon see a new name standing alone at the top of the World Cup scoring chart. The battle is still open, and the story is far from finished.
