June 17, 2026
Argentina’s forward #10 Lionel Messi gestures during the 2026 World Cup Group J football match between Argentina and Algeria at the Kansas City Stadium in Kansas City on June 16, 2026. (Photo by JUAN MABROMATA / AFP)
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup underway, attention has once again turned to the players whose goals have defined football’s biggest tournament, with Lionel Messi’s latest exploits bringing the race for the all-time scoring record back into focus.
Since the inaugural World Cup in 1930, more than 2,000 goals have been scored, but only a select few players have etched their names into history with remarkable consistency. For 16 years, former Germany striker Miroslav Klose stood alone at the summit with 16 goals scored across four World Cups.
However, the record is no longer his alone. Argentina captain Lionel Messi joined Klose at the top after scoring a hat-trick in his side’s 3-0 victory over Algeria in their opening match of the 2026 tournament.
