Lionel Messi Overtakes Miroslav Klose as the World Cup's All-Time Leading Scorer
Lionel Messi has become the record goalscorer at World Cups, surpassing Germany's Miroslav Klose. The 38-year-old Argentina captain achieved this feat in his team's second group match against Austria, scoring his 17th World Cup goal. This milestone came after he had previously missed a penalty in the same match.
Messi's record-breaking goal puts him ahead of Klose, with Kylian Mbappé potentially drawing level tonight when France faces Iraq. Mbappé currently has 14 World Cup goals to his name.
Messi had drawn level with Klose after scoring a hat-trick against Algeria in the defending champions' opening match. It took him 28 matches to set the new record, compared to Klose's 24 matches. Mbappé, participating in his third World Cup, has found the net 14 times in 15 appearances.
Only Brazil's Ronaldo, with 15 goals, stands between the three World Cup winners. Messi has downplayed the significance of the record, stating it is "just a statistic" and an honour to be alongside Klose, Ronaldo, and Mbappé. Klose had anticipated losing his title, telling German outlet Sport Bild in January that he was sure his record would be broken soon.
Messi's record-breaking goal puts him ahead of Klose, with Kylian Mbappé potentially drawing level tonight when France faces Iraq. Mbappé currently has 14 World Cup goals to his name.
Messi had drawn level with Klose after scoring a hat-trick against Algeria in the defending champions' opening match. It took him 28 matches to set the new record, compared to Klose's 24 matches. Mbappé, participating in his third World Cup, has found the net 14 times in 15 appearances.
Only Brazil's Ronaldo, with 15 goals, stands between the three World Cup winners. Messi has downplayed the significance of the record, stating it is "just a statistic" and an honour to be alongside Klose, Ronaldo, and Mbappé. Klose had anticipated losing his title, telling German outlet Sport Bild in January that he was sure his record would be broken soon.
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