Messi, Mbappe are chasing the historical World Cup record held only by the legendary German player
Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe will head to 2026 FIFA World Cup with more than just title ambitions as both strikers close in on one of the most prestigious individual records in international football.
The Argentina captain and France superstar are among the leading contenders to surpass Miroslav Klose’s all-time record of 16 World Cup goals during the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Klose, who represented Germany between 2001 and 2014, remains the top scorer in World Cup history with 16 goals in four editions of the competition.
Messi is looking at the last chance
Messi enters the tournament with 13 World Cup goals, leaving him just three behind Klose’s long-standing target.
The 38-year-old has previously suggested that the 2026 edition is likely to be his last World Cup, making the competition a potentially historic farewell on the global stage.
Having already won the trophy with Argentina in 2022, Messi now has another chance to build on his legacy by challenging the record that has stood since the 2014 tournament.
The Inter Miami striker remains one of the key figures in Argentina’s quest to defend their world title.
Mbappe is the biggest threat
While Messi may have one last chance, Mbappe appears to have time firmly on his side.
The France captain already has 12 World Cup goals despite being just 27 years old and is considered by many to be the player most likely to surpass Klose’s tally.
Mbappe burst onto the world stage during France’s successful 2018 World Cup campaign and further enhanced his reputation with a stunning strike at the 2022 Championship.
With France once again among the favourites, the Real Madrid striker is expected to add significantly to his tally.
Yamal among future candidates
Spanish teenage sensation Lamina Yamal is another player mentioned as a potential future challenger.
The 18-year-old is preparing for his first World Cup and has many years ahead of him to build on his goalscoring record on football’s biggest stage.
For now, though, the spotlight remains on Messi and Mbappe as they chase a place in history by targeting Klose’s World Cup record of 16 goals.
Their performances in the coming weeks could determine whether one of football’s most famous records finally falls.
