Argentine Lionel Messi has already equaled the former German striker’s record, after he scored a hat-trick in the match that the Argentine team won over Algeria 3-0 in its opening match at the 2026 World Cup.
Any goal that Messi scores on Monday evening against Austria in the second round of the group stage will give him the historical record for the highest scorer in the history of the FIFA World Cup tournaments.
France captain Kylian Mbappe also remains among the contenders for this achievement, after raising his tally to 14 goals in the World Cup thanks to his brace in the 3-1 win over Senegal.
But even if Messi takes the lead, it may only be temporary, because Mbappe has the advantage in age in the long term, as the French star is 27 years old, while Messi is 38 years old and is likely playing his last edition in the World Cup. (Russia Today)
