Top 25 World Cup Goalscorers Of All Time As Messi Equals Historic FIFA Record

Lionel Messi added another remarkable chapter to his extraordinary career on Wednesday, becoming the joint-top scorer in FIFA World Cup history after firing a hat-trick in Argentina’s 2026 World Cup Group J opener against Algeria in Kansas City.

The three goals took Messi’s World Cup tally to 16, drawing him level with former Germany striker Miroslav Klose, who had held the record outright since the 2014 World Cup.

Unlike many of the names on the list, Messi has reached the summit across six different World Cup tournaments. From his debut as a teenager in Germany in 2006 to his latest appearance in 2026, the Argentina captain has remained a decisive figure for his country, delivering goals in multiple generations of international football.

His rise to the top has also come against stronger competition and across a longer period than most of his rivals. While Klose needed 24 matches to score 16 goals, Messi reached the same figure in 27 appearances, combining goals with countless assists and match-winning performances throughout his World Cup journey.

The race for the record may not be over. France forward Kylian Mbappé is already on 14 goals at just his third World Cup and remains within touching distance of the leading pair. However, Messi has the immediate opportunity to move clear at the top as Argentina continue their campaign in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Beyond the numbers, the list reflects the evolution of football itself. It features stars from different eras, including Pelé, Gerd Müller, Ronaldo Nazário and Just Fontaine.

Below are the Top 25 World Cup Goal Scorers of All Time

1. Miroslav Klose (Germany) – 16 Goals

– World Cups: 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014
– Matches: 24

2. Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 16 Goals

– World Cups: 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026
– Matches: 27

3. Ronaldo Nazário (Brazil) – 15 Goals

– World Cups: 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006
– Matches: 19

4. Gerd Müller (West Germany) – 14 Goals

– World Cups: 1970, 1974
– Matches: 13

5. Kylian Mbappé (France) – 14 Goals

– World Cups: 2018, 2022, 2026
– Matches: 15

6. Just Fontaine (France) – 13 Goals

– World Cup: 1958
– Matches: 6

7. Pelé (Brazil) – 12 Goals

– World Cups: 1958, 1962, 1966, 1970
– Matches: 14

8. Jürgen Klinsmann (Germany) – 11 Goals

– World Cups: 1990, 1994, 1998
– Matches: 17

9. Sándor Kocsis (Hungary) – 11 Goals

– World Cup: 1954
– Matches: 5

10. Gabriel Batistuta (Argentina) – 10 Goals

– World Cups: 1994, 1998, 2002
– Matches: 12

11. Teófilo Cubillas (Peru) – 10 Goals

– World Cups: 1970, 1978, 1982
– Matches: 13

12. Grzegorz Lato (Poland) – 10 Goals

– World Cups: 1974, 1978, 1982
– Matches: 20

13. Gary Lineker (England) – 10 Goals

– World Cups: 1986, 1990
– Matches: 12

14. Thomas Müller (Germany) – 10 Goals

– World Cups: 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022
– Matches: 19

15. Helmut Rahn (West Germany) – 10 Goals

– World Cups: 1954, 1958
– Matches: 10

16. Ademir de Menezes (Brazil) – 9 Goals

– World Cup: 1950
– Matches: 6

17. Roberto Baggio (Italy) – 9 Goals

– World Cups: 1990, 1994, 1998
– Matches: 16

18. Eusébio (Portugal) – 9 Goals

– World Cup: 1966
– Matches: 6

19. Jairzinho (Brazil) – 9 Goals

– World Cups: 1966, 1970, 1974
– Matches: 16

20. Paolo Rossi (Italy) – 9 Goals

– World Cups: 1978, 1982
– Matches: 14

21. Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (West Germany) – 9 Goals

– World Cups: 1978, 1982, 1986
– Matches: 19

22. Uwe Seeler (West Germany) – 9 Goals

– World Cups: 1958, 1962, 1966, 1970
– Matches: 21

23. Vavá (Brazil) – 9 Goals

– World Cups: 1958, 1962
– Matches: 10

24. Christian Vieri (Italy) – 9 Goals

– World Cups: 1998, 2002
– Matches: 9

25. David Villa (Spain) – 9 Goals

– World Cups: 2006, 2010, 2014
– Matches: 12