Overview
- Messi has scored 19 World Cup goals, a total reported on July 1, 2026, that surpasses Miroslav Klose’s long-standing mark of 16.
- FIFA has recognized Messi as the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches, a streak that spans six tournaments from 2006 to 2026.
- Kylian Mbappé reached 18 career World Cup goals with a round-of-16 double, leaving him one behind Messi and holding a markedly higher goals-per-game rate.
- The 2026 Bota de Oro race remains unsettled with Messi and Mbappé tied on six tournament goals and challengers such as Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Vinícius Jr., and Ousmane Dembélé; FIFA will use assists then minutes played to break ties.
- Messi overcame pre-tournament doubts and a recent muscular injury to play in 2026, and if Argentina advances he can further extend his scoring and appearance records while Mbappé’s age gives him the clearest path to challenge the mark in future tournaments.