Top Goal Scorers in FIFA World Cup History as Messi Surpasses Klose

The FIFA World Cup has always been a stage where some of the greatest goal scorers showcase their talents. With the 2026 tournament underway in North America, Lionel Messi has now overtaken Germany’s Miroslav Klose as the top scorer in World Cup history.

Messi Moves Ahead

During Argentina's opening match against Algeria in the 2026 World Cup, Messi scored a remarkable hat-trick that brought him level with Klose’s record of 16 goals. On June 22, Messi netted yet another goal, pushing his total to 18 and making him the outright leader. Klose, who played for Germany, had accumulated his 16 goals over four tournaments, beginning with a hat-trick in 2002 and finishing with a goal in the famous 7-1 semifinal win over Brazil in 2014.

World Cup Goal-Scoring Legends

* Players still active at the 2026 World Cup

Current Contenders and Their Records

Kylian Mbappe’s two goals against Senegal in France's 3-1 victory took him past Pele and tied him with Gerd Muller for third place all-time. Later, he advanced beyond both Brazil’s Ronaldo and Muller with two goals against Iraq.

Harry Kane began his third World Cup by scoring twice in England's 4-2 win over Croatia, joining several others with ten World Cup goals, including fellow Englishman Gary Lineker.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup Goal Tally

Despite holding the record for most international goals overall (143 before 2026), Cristiano Ronaldo entered the tournament with only eight World Cup goals across five tournaments, matching the tally of Diego Maradona. His first game in 2026 saw no goals, but a brace against Uzbekistan pushed him past ten career World Cup goals. Ronaldo also became the first player to score in six different World Cups and surpassed Eusebio as Portugal’s leading World Cup scorer; Eusebio had nine goals from 1966.