Lionel Messi Becomes All-Time Top Scorer in World Cup History, Earns Praise from Miroslav Klose

Lionel Messi has become the all-time top scorer in FIFA World Cup history, breaking the previous record held by German forward Miroslav Klose. Messi achieved this milestone during Argentina’s second match of the 2026 World Cup against Austria, where he scored twice in a 2-0 victory, bringing his total World Cup goals to 18.

This record-breaking feat came shortly after Messi had already equaled Klose’s record of 16 goals by scoring a hat trick in Argentina’s opening Group J match against Algeria. The 2026 World Cup, held in the summer, has provided Messi with the platform to extend his legacy further on football’s biggest stage.

The significance of this achievement is underscored by the praise from Miroslav Klose himself, who held the record until this tournament. In an interview with the German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung, Klose congratulated Messi and described him as "the best football player of all time." His words reflect the respect and admiration Messi commands even among former greats.

Klose had anticipated that his record might be surpassed during the competition, as he mentioned in an earlier interview with the same publication. Now that Messi has officially broken the record, Klose expressed sportsmanship and happiness that the milestone was reached by such an exceptional talent, calling Messi "a genius" and reaffirming his long-standing fandom for the Argentine star.

Messi’s new status as the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer not only enhances his individual legacy but also adds momentum to Argentina’s campaign in the tournament. With this record-breaking performance, Messi continues to inspire his teammates and fans alike, potentially influencing Argentina’s prospects in the competition.

Looking ahead, Argentina will aim to build on their strong start in Group J as they progress through the World Cup stages. Messi’s form and leadership will be crucial as the team seeks to advance further in the tournament. Meanwhile, the football world will closely watch how this historic achievement impacts both Messi’s career and the broader narrative of the 2026 World Cup.