FIFA World Cup: Messi has the last chance to create history, needs 2 goals in the final to become number-1 from Mbappe
Digital Desk: The final of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will not only be the title match between Argentina and Spain, but it will also become the deciding stage in the race for the all-time goalscorer in World Cup history. The eyes of the whole world are fixed on the records of Argentina captain Lionel Messi and France’s star striker Kylian Mbappe.
Many great players have left indelible marks with their goals in the history of the FIFA World Cup, which started in 1930, but the 2026 tournament completely changed the record books. Germany’s Miroslav Klose, who was on top with 16 goals for a long time, was overtaken first by Messi and then by Mbappe.
Mbappe becomes the new number-1 goal scorer in World Cup history
France’s star forward Kylian Mbappe scored two goals in the third-place match, taking his total number of goals in the World Cup to 22. He scored 4 goals in 2018, 8 in 2022 and 10 in 2026. By achieving this feat in just 22 matches, he became the highest goalscorer in World Cup history.
Messi has a golden opportunity to get the record back
Argentina captain Lionel Messi has played in six World Cups and has 21 goals in 33 matches. He has scored 8 goals so far in the current tournament.
Now Messi has a chance to create history in the final against Spain. If he is successful in scoring two goals, his total goals will increase to 23 and he will once again surpass Mbappe and become the highest goalscorer in World Cup history.
Klose and Ronaldo now behind
Germany’s Miroslav Klose is now in third place with 16 goals. He made this record in four World Cups. Whereas Brazil’s great striker Ronaldo Nazario is in fourth place with 15 goals.
Harry Kane and Gerd Muller also in the list
England captain Harry Kane and West Germany legend Gerd Muller are joint next with 14 goals each. France’s Just Fontaine’s record of scoring 13 goals in a single World Cup (1958) still stands.
The world’s eyes are on the final
The World Cup final between Argentina and Spain will no longer be just a trophy match. It will also decide the biggest personal record of Messi’s career. If Messi scores two or more goals, he will become the highest goalscorer in World Cup history, while Mbappe currently remains on top with 22 goals.
Top goalscorers in World Cup history (chart)
| rank | player | Country | total goals | match | goals in world cup |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| π₯ 1 | Kylian Mbappe | France | 22 | 22 | 2018 β 4, 2022 β 8, 2026 β 10 |
| π₯ 2 | Lionel Messi | argentina | 21 | 33 | 2006 β 1, 2010 β 0, 2014 β 4, 2018 β 1, 2022 β 7, 2026 β 8* |
| π₯ 3 | miroslav close | Germany | 16 | 24 | 2002 β 5, 2006 β 5, 2010 β 4, 2014 β 2 |
| 4 | Ronaldo | Brazil | 15 | 19 | 1994 β 0, 1998 β 4, 2002 β 8, 2006 β 3 |
| 5 | harry kane | England | 14 | 18 | 2018 β 6, 2022 β 2, 2026 β 6 |
| 5 | gerd muller | west germany | 14 | 13 | 1970 β 10, 1974 β 4 |
| 7 | Just Fontaine | France | 13 | 6 | 1958 β 13 |
Also read: FIFA World Cup Final 2026: Football fever from Lucknow to Noida, hotels, multiplexes and sports bars fully booked for Argentina-Spain final
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