The 2026 World Cup opened with co-hosts Mexico defeating South Africa, officially starting the race for international football's ultimate individual milestone. Klose still sits atop the all-time standings with 16 goals across 24 appearances on the global stage. That mark has stood unchallenged since 2014, but the current generation is closing in fast.
Messi is at the forefront of the pursuit with 13 World Cup strikes, three behind the former Bayern Munich striker. French superstar Kylian Mbappe poses an equally serious threat with 12 tournament goals from just 14 appearances.
I expect my record to be broken in this tournament.
With more teams, there are more matches and therefore more opportunities to score goals. And I expect Argentina and France to go far. That's perfectly fine, the record will be broken eventually anyway, Messi is welcome to do it. I'm a huge Messi fan, always have been.
Klose praised the Inter Miami forward's individual brilliance and his relationship with Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, whom he played alongside at Lazio.
Messi is a genius. And I also have a lot of respect for the Argentinian coach Scaloni. I played with him at Lazio. He showed me around the city a bit back then. We're good friends.
Defending champions Argentina will officially launch their title defense against Algeria on Wednesday. Scaloni's squad then faces Austria the following Monday before wrapping up Group B against Jordan six days later. Those opening fixtures could offer Messi an early window to chip away at Klose's long-standing record as the reigning world champions begin their campaign.
