All-Time Leading World Cup Goal Scorers: Messi Surpasses Klose
The FIFA World Cup has long been a stage for some of the finest goal scorers in soccer history. Over the years, the tournament has showcased talents who left a lasting mark on the global game.
The 2026 World Cup, held across North America, features familiar stars like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, both chasing historic records in what might be their last World Cup appearances. Rising stars such as Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane also bring impressive international scoring records into the mix.
As Messi and Ronaldo aim for their sixth tournament each, their standings among the greatest World Cup scorers provide an interesting snapshot of football history.
Who Holds the Record for Most World Cup Goals?
Recently, Lionel Messi moved ahead of Germany's Miroslav Klose by scoring a hat-trick against Austria during the 2026 tournament. Before this, Klose had led with 16 goals scored over four World Cups. Klose, known for his consistency rather than flash, made a name as a major tournament expert, starting with a hat-trick in 2002 and concluding with his 16th goal in Germany’s memorable 7-1 semifinal win over Brazil in 2014.
Ranking of All-Time Top World Cup Scorers
Klose surpassed Brazil’s Ronaldo, whose 15 goals included two in the 2002 final victory over Germany. Kylian Mbappe edged past legends like Pele and Gerd Muller, tying with Ronaldo before overtaking him in the 2026 World Cup.
Harry Kane, England’s captain, began his third World Cup by scoring twice in a 4-2 win over Croatia, joining a group of players with ten goals at the finals, alongside names like Gary Lineker.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup Goal Tally
Despite holding the record for most international goals overall with 143 by 2026, Cristiano Ronaldo had only scored eight goals in five World Cups prior to 2026, matching Argentina’s Diego Maradona’s total. His 2026 campaign started slowly but he soon found form, scoring twice against Uzbekistan to push him into double digits for World Cup goals.
Ronaldo stands alone as the first player to score in six different World Cups and now holds Portugal’s record for most World Cup goals, surpassing Eusebio, who scored nine in 1966 when Portugal finished third.
