Top FIFA World Cup Scorers: Messi Surpasses Klose's Record
The FIFA World Cup has showcased some of the most lethal strikers in soccer history. The tournament attracts top scorers from around the world, each chasing a spot among the all-time leading goal-getters.
As the 2026 World Cup unfolds across North America, iconic players Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo take the stage once more, likely for their last time at this level. Other stars like Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane also bring impressive international records into the competition. Yet, the list of top World Cup scorers often features both legends and cult heroes.
Messi Overtakes Klose as Leading World Cup Scorer
During Argentina’s match against Austria in the 2026 tournament, Lionel Messi moved ahead of Germany’s Miroslav Klose, setting a new record for most goals scored in World Cup history. Messi’s remarkable hat-trick in Argentina’s opening 2026 victory over Algeria pushed him to 18 goals, surpassing Klose’s previous mark of 16.
Klose earned his reputation as a tournament specialist rather than a global superstar during his playing days. He made a striking entrance with a hat-trick against Saudi Arabia in 2002 and finished his World Cup career on a high, netting his final goal in Germany’s stunning 7-1 semifinal win over Brazil in 2014.
All-Time Leading World Cup Goal Scorers
Klose surpassed Brazilian legend Ronaldo, who scored 15 goals and was key in Brazil’s 2002 World Cup triumph. Kylian Mbappe moved past Pele and matched Gerd Muller with 14 goals before climbing above Ronaldo with two goals against Iraq in 2026.
England’s Harry Kane kicked off his third World Cup with two goals in a thrilling 4-2 victory over Croatia, joining several players on 10 World Cup goals overall alongside names like Gary Lineker.
Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup Scoring
Though Cristiano Ronaldo holds the record for most international goals with 143 heading into 2026, he has only scored 10 World Cup goals across six tournaments, tying with Argentina’s Diego Maradona.
After a slow start in Portugal’s draw against DR Congo, Ronaldo scored twice against Uzbekistan, becoming the first player to find the net in six separate World Cups. He also surpassed Eusebio as Portugal’s leading World Cup scorer, with Eusebio having nine goals from 1966.
