How Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi can make history at World Cup 2026 - Miroslav Klose goal record in duo's sights

France's Kylian Mbappe and Argentina's Lionel Messi both have their sights on the all-time World Cup scoring record held by Miroslav Klose as they look to lead their nations to glory this summer.

Messi and Mbappe were very much the story of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, facing off in a memorable final that ended in a penalty shoot-out victory for Argentina.

Mbappe finished as the Golden Boot winner, netting eight goals in the tournament, including a hat-trick in the final.

Messi, meanwhile, scored seven times, including two in the final, to inspire his country to glory.

World Cup

UEFA confirms intention to boycott World Cup amid Infantino spin-off plan

30/07/2026 at 20:48

While Mbappe, 27, likely has several World Cups to look forward to, this summer's tournament in North America is almost certain to be the last for Messi.

And both players are chasing history, with World Cup records in their sights.

Will Mbappe or Messi break Klose record?

Former Germany striker Klose is has been the all-time top scorer since 2014.

The ex-Bayern Munich and Lazio poacher scored 16 times in total across four tournaments and 24 matches.

Brazil legend Ronaldo is one goal behind Klose on 15, while West Germany great Gerd Muller netted 14 times at World Cups.

• VAR controversy as Mbappe denied penalty at World Cup

Mbappe started the 2026 World Cup with 12 goals to his name from just two tournaments, level with Brazil legend Pele.

Mbappe quickly moved to 14 as he scored twice in France's opening game against Senegal, after being controversially denied a penalty.

Mbappe's double saw him move to 58 goals for his country, .

Mbappe's 58 goals have come in just 99 games for France.

Messi entered this summer's tournament with 13 goals from five World Cups and was already up to 117 goals for his national team.

He then scored a hat-trick in their Group J opener versus Algeria.

How Mbappe can set World Cup final record

Not only could Mbappe become the World Cup's most prolific striker, he could also make history if France make it to another final.

Les Blues are amongst the favourites once again under Didier Deschamps, having beaten Croatia 4-2 in the 2018 final in Moscow before agonisingly missing out in 2022.

Mbappe scored in both matches: once in the victory over Croatia and three times in the defeat to Argentina.

Brazil's Vava is the only other player to have scored in consecutive World Cup finals, after finding the net in the 1958 and 1962 finals.

Tuchel 'worried and concerned' by pitch quality for New Zealand friendly

Video credit: SNTV

And only three others have scored in two separate finals: Pele (1958 and 1970), Paul Breitner (1974 and 1982) and Zinedine Zidane (1998 and 2006).

If Mbappe helps France to another final and scores again, he will become the first player in history to register in three straight finals.

Such a feat would truly establish the Real Madrid star as one of the all-time greats.

---

Add TNT Sports as a preferred source here to enjoy more content like this.

Stream the Premier League, men’s and women’s FA Cups, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more live on TNT Sports and HBO Max

World Cup

'My time has passed' - Neymar says Brazil career is over

29/07/2026 at 20:47

World Cup

FIFA open disciplinary case against Argentina over World Cup conduct and Falklands banner

29/07/2026 at 18:36