League: FIFA World Cup Sport: Soccer Country: Global Category: Scores & Results

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi set for World Cup scoring race

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 16, 2026, 8:37 PM

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi set for World Cup scoring race

Summary

As the FIFA World Cup approaches in 2026, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi will participate in what might be their final tournament. Both players aim to climb the all-time scoring charts alongside other top talents like Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane. Miroslav Klose currently holds the record with 16 goals. Messi has scored 13 goals over five tournaments, while Ronaldo has netted eight across his five appearances. This tournament presents an opportunity for both icons to enhance their legacies and potentially break into the top scoring ranks.

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By the Numbers

•Miroslav Klose holds the record with 16 World Cup goals.
•Cristiano Ronaldo has eight World Cup goals in five tournaments.
•Lionel Messi has scored 13 goals across five World Cups.
•Kylian Mbappe is tied with Messi at 13 goals but has played fewer tournaments.
•The 2026 World Cup may be the last for Ronaldo and Messi.

Latest Updates

2:40 AMYahoo Sports — Most goals in World Cup history: Where Messi, Mbappe rank among FIFA's top scorers all time
8:37 PMYahoo Sports — Most goals in World Cup history: List of all-time top scorers in FIFA men's soccer tournament

What they're saying

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The World Cup draws together the most formidable goalscorers in global soccer. But who has the most goals of all time at the FIFA showpiece?
— Yahoo Sports