Lionel Messi has broken Miroslav Klose's all-time World Cup scoring record. The Argentina captain scored twice in a 2-0 victory over Austria in Dallas on June 23, taking his tournament tally to 18 goals and surpassing the German striker's 16-goal mark that had stood since 2014.
This achievement comes at World Cup 2026, the first edition with 48 teams. The expanded format has increased the number of matches, giving players more opportunities to score. Messi, 38, continues to deliver at the highest level for a tournament he helped Argentina win in 2022.
The Golden Boot race remains tightly contested. Mbappe, Haaland, Kane and Ronaldo are among the contenders still in the mix. But Messi's brace against Austria puts him firmly in control as the group stage reaches its crucial final games.
Messi Breaks Klose's All-Time World Cup Record
Messi entered the match against Austria on 16 career World Cup goals, level with Klose. Two well-taken finishes in Dallas took him to 18 and into uncharted territory. The first came from close range after a slick team move, the second a composed penalty after an Austrian handball in the box.
Klose scored his 16 goals across four World Cups between 2002 and 2014. Messi, meanwhile, is playing in his sixth World Cup. His first goal came in 2006 against Serbia and Montenegro. He has since scored in every tournament he has played in, including the final in 2022 as Argentina beat France on penalties.
The Austria win was Argentina's third in Group J. They had earlier beaten Algeria 3-0 and drawn with Serbia. Messi scored in all three matches, underlining his importance to a side chasing a second consecutive World Cup title. The group stage concludes with a match against Morocco on June 27.
Messi's form is remarkable for a player who turned 38 in June. His movement remains sharp, his finishing clinical and his influence on the team undiminished. The celebration after his record-breaking goal saw him point to the stands where his wife Antonela and sons Thiago, Mateo and Ciro were watching.
Golden Boot Standings: The Top Contenders
The Golden Boot is awarded to the tournament's top scorer. At World Cup 2026, the race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in memory. Here is how the top contenders stack up.
Lionel Messi (Argentina) - 5 goals
Messi has scored in all three of Argentina's group games. His five goals make him the current leader. His ability to score from open play and from set pieces makes him a constant threat. The brace against Austria showed his composure under pressure.
Kylian Mbappe (France) - 4 goals
Mbappe has been in scintillating form for France. He scored twice in the 3-0 win over Iraq and added another in the victory over Serbia. The 27-year-old is the fastest player in the tournament and his partnership with Ousmane Dembele has been devastating. France have already qualified from Group I and could field a rotated side for their final group match, which might affect Mbappe's playing time.
Erling Haaland (Norway) - 4 goals
Haaland has delivered for Norway. He scored twice in the 2-1 win over Senegal that secured Norway's place in the last 32. The 25-year-old is a physical presence in the box and his movement off the ball is elite. Norway's path through the knockout stages could give Haaland further opportunities to add to his tally.
Harry Kane (England) - 3 goals
Kane scored in England's opening 1-1 draw with Croatia but was surprisingly quiet in the 0-0 draw with Ghana. The 32-year-old is renowned for his clinical finishing and will be determined to add to his tally when England face Serbia in their final Group L match. Kane's three goals have come from just 11 shots, underlining his efficiency.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) - 3 goals
Ronaldo scored a clinical double in Portugal's 5-0 win over Uzbekistan. The 41-year-old showed his predatory instincts in the box, converting two close-range chances. Portugal have already qualified and Ronaldo is likely to feature in their final group match against Japan as they look to secure top spot.
Mbappe's World Cup Run
Mbappe arrived at World Cup 2026 with 12 career World Cup goals. He scored four in 2018 as France won the tournament, then eight in 2022 including a hat-trick in the final against Argentina. Another four at this tournament would take him to 16, level with Klose. Five would see him join Messi on 18.
His form has been exceptional. Mbappe has scored four goals from 13 shots, with an expected goals figure of 3.42 suggesting his finishing has been slightly below his usual elite standards. The underlying numbers suggest more goals are coming.
The relationship with Dembele has been key. Dembele's pace and dribbling stretch defenses, creating space for Mbappe to exploit. Their combination play has produced several goals already. France's attacking approach under Didier Deschamps, who has temporarily stepped aside following his mother's death with assistant Guy Stephan in charge for the Norway match, has liberated Mbappe.
France are one of the tournament favorites. Mbappe will likely play in every knockout match as France target a second title in three tournaments. The deeper France go, the more chances Mbappe will have to close the gap on Messi.
Haaland's Impact
Haaland is playing in his first World Cup. The 25-year-old missed the 2022 tournament through injury and was not in the squad for 2018. His four goals have announced him on the global stage.
Norway have relied heavily on Haaland. His double against Senegal came from just three shots, highlighting his efficiency. The 6ft 4in striker is a handful for any defender in the air and on the ground. His hold-up play has improved and he is developing a stronger understanding with Martin Odegaard, who created both goals against Senegal.
Norway's route through the knockout stage is favorable. They finished second in Group E behind Germany and will face a third-placed team from another group in the last 32. Should they advance, a potential quarter-final against Brazil looms. That match would be a true test of Haaland's credentials against elite opposition.
Haaland's all-time World Cup tally stands at six. To challenge Messi's record, he would need multiple productive tournaments. At 25, he has time on his side. If Norway can build around their star striker, Haaland could feature in several World Cups to come.
Kane's World Cup Comeback
Kane's World Cup story is one of redemption. He missed a penalty in the 2022 quarter-final against France as England lost. That miss haunted him. Now, under Thomas Tuchel, Kane is leading a new-look England side with something to prove.
Kane has three goals in two matches. His header against Croatia gave England an early lead. He was quiet against Ghana, a performance that drew criticism in the English media. Tuchel defended his captain, pointing to Kane's work rate and leadership. The manager is likely to stick with Kane for the Serbia match, with England needing a win to secure top spot in Group L.
Kane's all-time World Cup tally is seven goals. He scored six in 2018, winning the Golden Boot that year. Another productive tournament would take him into double figures. Kane is 32 and this is likely his last World Cup. He will want to leave on a high.
England are among the favorites. If Kane can find his form, he could yet challenge for the Golden Boot. The Serbia match is crucial. A strong performance and a goal or two would restore confidence and put Kane back in the race.
Ronaldo's Double in Houston
Ronaldo's World Cup record stands at 15 goals. He scored five in 2006, one in 2010, four in 2014 and four in 2018. Another four at this tournament would take him to 19, past Messi and Klose. It is a tall order, but Ronaldo has never been one to shy away from a challenge.
The double against Uzbekistan showcased Ronaldo's enduring qualities. Both goals were close-range finishes, typical of his career. He still has the movement to lose defenders in the box and the finishing ability to capitalize. At 41, his pace has gone but his positional sense is as sharp as ever.
Ronaldo's relationship with the Portugal camp has improved. After a fractious 2022 tournament, he has embraced a reduced role when necessary. He started against Uzbekistan and delivered. Roberto Martinez has managed his star well, resting him for the match against Japan but keeping him involved in the squad dynamic.
Portugal's squad depth is their strength. With Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and Rafael Leao in attack, they are not overly reliant on Ronaldo. But when called upon, the veteran has delivered. Portugal are dark horses for the tournament. If they go deep, Ronaldo could add to his tally.
Historical Context and the 48-Team Format
Messi's achievement comes in a dramatically different World Cup context than Klose's. The 48-team format has introduced more matches and more teams. The group stage now consists of 12 groups of four teams, with the top two and the eight best third-placed teams advancing to the last 32. That is 80 group stage matches, compared to 48 in the 32-team era.
This change means players have more opportunities to score. A striker who reaches the final could play up to eight matches, compared to seven in the previous format. The potential for goal tallies to increase is significant.
The scoring rate at World Cup 2026 has been high. The first 24 group stage matches produced 75 goals, an average of 3.125 per game. This is the highest rate since 1958. The Adidas Trionda ball, the extreme heat in some venues and the tactical approach of teams have all contributed to a goals-fest.
Historically, the Golden Boot race has been tight. In 2018, Kane and Griezmann tied on six goals, with Kane winning on assists. In 2022, Mbappe won with eight goals. At this rate, we could see the Golden Boot winner reach double figures for the first time since 2002, when Ronaldo scored eight for Brazil.
Messi's record of 18 goals may not stand forever. Mbappe at 27, Haaland at 25 and even younger stars like Yamal and Endrick could mount serious challenges in future tournaments. But for now, Messi stands alone at the summit of World Cup goalscoring.
Remaining Fixtures and Predictions
The group stage concludes on June 27. Argentina face Morocco in Group J. Messi will likely start, with Scalone keen to secure top spot. A goal or two would extend Messi's lead in the Golden Boot race.
France take on Norway in Group I. With qualification secured, Deschamps might rotate. Mbappe could be rested or limited to a cameo. Haaland, meanwhile, will be keen to add to his tally against a French defense that has conceded twice.
England play Serbia in Group L. Kane needs a performance. A win secures top spot and a favorable knockout draw. Tuchel will demand a response from his captain after the Ghana disappointment. Serbia are a physical side and will test England's defense.
Portugal face Japan in Group H. Ronaldo is likely to start. A win secures top spot. Japan are organized but limited. Ronaldo could add to his tally if Portugal play with freedom.
Prediction time. Messi is the favorite to win the Golden Boot. He has five goals, is in form and plays for a team that creates chances. Mbappe is the main challenger. France's attacking style and Mbappe's individual brilliance make him dangerous. Haaland is an outside bet, dependent on how far Norway progress. Kane needs a strong performance against Serbia to stay in the race.
The Golden Boot race is one of the most compelling storylines of World Cup 2026. Messi's record-breaking achievement has set the bar high. Who will join him on five goals? Who will surpass him? The answers will come over the next two weeks as the tournament enters its knockout phase.
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