Lionel Messi leads all-time World Cup goal scorers as Mbappe climbs ranks

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Jul 9, 2026, 8:03 PM

Last updated Jul 9, 2026

Lionel Messi leads all-time World Cup goal scorers as Mbappe climbs ranks
Summary

Lionel Messi is now the all-time top scorer in men's World Cup history with 21 goals, surpassing Miroslav Klose. Messi reached this milestone in his record sixth World Cup after scoring a hat trick against Algeria. Kylian Mbappe, meanwhile, is currently at 19 goals after netting 7 in this tournament, having played in 19 World Cup matches to Messi's 31. The two players are among the top goal scorers in a competitive tournament atmosphere as they both seek to enhance their legacies.

Source Links
By the Numbers
  • Messi set the record with 21 World Cup goals.
  • Mbappe has 19 goals after 19 World Cup games.
  • Both players scored heavily during the current tournament.
  • Messi scored a hat trick in Argentina's match against Algeria.
  • The World Cup is showcasing top talent among all-time scorers.
Latest Updates
  • 8:03 PMYahoo SportsWho has the most goals in World Cup history? How Mbappe ranks
What they're saying
"

Lionel Messi stands alone as the all-time top scorer in men's World Cup history. For now.

Related Teams & Leagues

Sources

External links

Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.

Related Stories

Last 14 days