Messi’s Ascent to Top Scorer
29.06.2026
Messi’s Ascent to Top Scorer
Lionel Messi of Argentina has surpassed the previous record for most goals scored in World Cup history. He has now scored goals in the competition. This achievement includes a hat trick in his opening game and additional goals against Austria and Jordan. Messi’s current performance adds to his legacy, as this marks his sixth appearance in the World Cup.
His recent goals include his 17th and 18th during Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Austria. He then added his 19th goal against Jordan with a free kick from outside the box. Messi has played in six World Cups and has won the Ballon d’Or award a record eight times in his professional career.
Across his 29 World Cup appearances, Messi averages two goals per three games played. He also maintains a high rate of World Cup assists, with six assists in his career, averaging about one assist in every four games.
Mbappé’s Challenge and Records
Kylian Mbappé, the forward for France, is also rapidly climbing the list of all-time World Cup goal scorers. He currently has 16 World Cup goals. Mbappé scored four goals in the first two games of the current tournament. This is his third World Cup appearance.
Mbappé has already made significant contributions to his national team. During this year’s cup, the 27-year-old became the French national team’s all-time top goal scorer. He surpassed Olivier Giroud’s record of 58 goals with two strikes in a 3-1 win over Senegal on June 16.
Mbappé holds the record for most goals scored during a World Cup final, with four. In his 17 World Cup matches, he averages about one score per game. He has two assists in his World Cup appearances, averaging an assist every eight games.
When asked about the best players among this World Cup’s stars, including Lionel Messi, Harry Kane, Erling Haaland, and himself, Mbappé stated, “Lionel Messi. It’s clear.”
Historical Context and Competition
The battle for the all-time World Cup goal-scoring record has intensified between Messi and Mbappé. Both players entered the tournament with substantial goal tallies, Messi with 13 previous World Cup goals and Mbappé with 12.
The 2022 World Cup final in Qatar saw the two players compete directly, with Argentina securing the trophy. In that match, Mbappé achieved a hat trick, a feat that has only occurred twice in World Cup history.
The record for most goals scored during a World Cup career has been a dynamic one. Miroslav Klose’s 2014 record of 16 World Cup goals was recently surpassed. Other high-scoring players in World Cup history include Harry Kane of England and Jürgen Klinsmann of Germany are tied with 11 goals each, as is Sándor Kocsis of Hungary, who scored all his 11 World Cup goals at the 1954 tournament.
Both Argentina and France are considered strong contenders to win the current tournament, with France being the current favorite according to multiple sportsbooks, and Argentina close behind.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal also made history by becoming the first player to score at six World Cups.
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Source: nbcnews.com
Ishaan Kapoor
Sports correspondent covering cricket, football and international competitions.