Messi vs Mbappé: Who Is Closer to Breaking the FIFA World Cup All-Time Scoring Record Ahead of 2026?

Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé are emerging as the two strongest contenders to break the all-time FIFA World Cup scoring record at the 2026 World Cup, set to take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. According to analysts and football legends, the historic mark could finally fall during the next edition of the tournament.

The record currently belongs to Miroslav Klose, who scored 16 goals across multiple World Cup appearances with Germany. Messi enters the conversation with 13 World Cup goals, while Mbappé closely follows with 12, placing both superstars within striking distance of one of football’s most prestigious milestones.

Both players approach the 2026 tournament with a powerful combination of experience, elite performance, and motivation to cement their legacy. Messi already ranks among the greatest World Cup scorers of all time, while Mbappé, still in his prime at 27 years old, could benefit significantly from the expanded tournament format, which introduces more matches and scoring opportunities.

In a recent analysis, Klose himself acknowledged that his long-standing record could be broken soon, even suggesting that Messi or Mbappé are the most likely players to surpass his historic tally.

Breaking the record will require consistent goal scoring and deep tournament runs, factors that favor powerhouse national teams such as Argentina and France. Both players have repeatedly delivered in decisive knockout matches, where goals carry even greater historical weight.

Messi has been a reliable scorer for Argentina in major international competitions, combining leadership and efficiency in front of goal. Mbappé, meanwhile, blends explosive pace, youth, and remarkable finishing ability, maintaining an impressive scoring record at both club and international levels. Their participation across multiple World Cups places them in a unique position to challenge and potentially surpass Klose’s mark.

The new 48-team format for the 2026 FIFA World Cup could further tilt the balance. With more matches available, attacking players who advance deep into the tournament will have increased chances to score and climb the all-time World Cup scoring rankings.

As anticipation builds toward 2026, the Messi vs Mbappé debate gains a new dimension — not only about greatness, but about who will ultimately rewrite World Cup history.