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Lionel Messi Tops World Cup Goal Scorers List, Kylian Mbappé Chases Close Behind

As the 2026 World Cup unfolds, Lionel Messi has surpassed all others to become the highest goal scorer in World Cup history. During Argentina's 2-0 victory over Austria, Messi netted his 17th and 18th goals. He then added a sublime free kick against Jordan, marking his 19th goal in World Cup play. The question now is how many more he will score this tournament.

Mbappé Narrows the Gap

Kylian Mbappé of France has climbed into second place on the all-time list during the knockout rounds, but Messi maintains a slim lead.

Top World Cup Goal Scorers Ever

  • 20 goals: Lionel Messi (Argentina)Messi began the 2026 World Cup with a hat trick against Algeria and has consistently found the net throughout his six tournaments, including seven goals en route to Argentina’s 2022 title.
  • 19 goals: Kylian Mbappé (France)At just 27, Mbappé has scored 17 goals across 18 World Cup matches. His haul includes four goals in 2018 when France won and eight in 2022 as they finished runners-up.
  • 16 goals: Miroslav Klose (Germany)Klose, known for his sharp finishing, scored five goals each in 2002 and 2006, four in 2010, and two in 2014, helping Germany lift the trophy that year.
  • 15 goals: Ronaldo (Brazil)The Brazilian star scored four goals in 1998, eight in Brazil’s 2002 championship run, and three in 2006, despite not playing in 1994.
  • 14 goals (tied): Harry Kane (England) and Gerd Müller (West Germany)Kane has been prolific over three tournaments, breaking England’s World Cup scoring record in 2026. Müller scored 10 goals in 1970, earning the Golden Boot, and added four more in 1974.
  • 13 goals: Just Fontaine (France)Fontaine holds the single-tournament scoring record with 13 goals at the 1958 World Cup, featuring multiple braces and a four-goal game.
  • 12 goals: Pelé (Brazil)Pelé burst onto the scene in 1958 as a 17-year-old with six goals, winning three World Cups and tallying 12 goals overall.
  • 11 goals (tied): Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Jürgen Klinsmann (Germany), Sándor Kocsis (Hungary)Ronaldo scored in every World Cup he played, including a penalty in 2026 knockout rounds. Klinsmann had 11 goals across three tournaments, part of Germany’s 1990 title. Kocsis scored all his goals in 1954, including two hat tricks.

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