The historic record of German striker Miroslav Klose — the previous all-time top scorer at World Cup tournaments with 16 goals — has been consigned to the past, as Argentine Lionel Messi has taken sole possession of the top spot in the all-time World Cup scorers chart.
The Argentine captain had equalled Klose's record by scoring a hat-trick in a 3-0 victory over Algeria in the opening match of the Albiceleste's 2026 World Cup campaign, before adding another goal when he opened the scoring against Austria on Monday evening, lifting his tally to 17 goals and claiming the world record outright.
Messi, 38, continues to cement his extraordinary legacy at the 2026 World Cup finals, having led Argentina to the world title at the 2022 World Cup, adding yet another individual achievement to his storied record. Meanwhile, France's Kylian Mbappé remains within long-range contention, having raised his World Cup finals tally to 14 goals with a brace in a 3-1 victory over Senegal. Mbappé faces Iraq within hours in a match of special significance, as it will be his 100th cap for the French national team.