- 2026 FIFA World Cup: Messi and Mbappe Chase World Cup Records
The race to become the greatest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history has taken centre stage at the 2026 tournament, with football superstars Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe closing in on the all-time record.
As the group stage enters a crucial phase, the two players who have defined international football over the past decade are once again dominating headlines, each pursuing milestones that could further cement their legendary status.
Messi, who turns 39 on Wednesday, is just one goal away from becoming the outright leading scorer in World Cup history. The Argentine captain equalled German legend Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 goals after producing a stunning hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria in their opening Group J match.
The achievement was particularly emotional for the World Cup-winning captain, who was seen in tears after scoring his first goal of the game. Reports later revealed that Messi’s father is recovering from a health issue, adding personal significance to the landmark performance.
Despite entering the tournament with concerns over a hamstring injury, Messi has once again demonstrated his ability to inspire the defending champions. Argentina now face Austria in Dallas knowing a victory could secure qualification for the knockout rounds, while another goal from their talisman would see him stand alone at the top of the World Cup scoring charts.
“Leo is the most important of them all,” Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister said after the Algeria victory, underlining Messi’s enduring influence on the squad.
While Messi edges closer to history, Mbappe is not far behind.
The French captain will celebrate a major personal milestone when he earns his 100th international cap against Iraq in Philadelphia. The 27-year-old forward arrives at the landmark match in sensational form after scoring twice in France’s 3-1 opening win over Senegal.
Those goals took Mbappe’s World Cup tally to 14, level with German great Gerd Muller and only two behind Messi and Klose.
“There is nothing bigger. One hundred is a historic figure, and to have the chance to reach that tally here at a World Cup means it will be a special match for me,” Mbappe said ahead of the encounter.
France are expected to book their place in the knockout stage with victory over Iraq, keeping Mbappe firmly in the hunt for the scoring record.
The battle between Messi and Mbappe has become one of the defining narratives of modern football. The pair famously met in the dramatic 2022 World Cup final, where Argentina defeated France on penalties after an unforgettable contest. Four years later, both stars are once again chasing glory on the sport’s biggest stage.
For Messi, the goal is to add another historic achievement to a career already filled with records. For Mbappe, the objective is to continue his rapid ascent and eventually surpass every goalscoring benchmark the tournament has to offer.
As Argentina and France prepare for their next matches, the football world waits to see whether Messi can claim the record outright—or whether Mbappe can continue closing the gap in what is becoming one of the most fascinating races in World Cup history.
