--- title: "Messi joins Klose atop World Cup scoring charts" description: "Lionel Messi's 16th goal ties the all-time record, reshaping the tournament's scoring legacy." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/messi-empata-re-cord-histo-rico-asi-quedan-los-10-goleador-a9c1f0a2 published: 2026-07-01T23:26:41.482+00:00 updated: 2026-07-01T23:26:41.482+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["soccer", "hockey"] --- # Messi joins Klose atop World Cup scoring charts > Lionel Messi's 16th goal ties the all-time record, reshaping the tournament's scoring legacy. Lionel Messi has tied the all-time World Cup goal record, matching Miroslav Klose’s 16 goals. The milestone arrived in Argentina’s 2-0 win over Nigeria at the 2026 World Cup group stage on November 26, 2025. Messi’s 11th-minute strike broke a deadlock that had held since the 38th minute, when Julián Álvarez forced a brilliant save from Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. The goal was Messi’s first of the tournament and his 16th across five World Cup editions, spanning 2006 to 2026. The record tie lifts Messi into a tie atop the tournament’s all-time scoring charts, a list previously dominated by Klose, who set the mark in 2014. Messi joins an exclusive group: only Klose (16), Ronaldo (15), and Gerd Müller (14) have reached double digits in World Cup finals. His achievement comes in his sixth major tournament appearance for Argentina, underscoring his longevity and consistency at the highest level. The timing is particularly sharp—Messi is 38 years old, playing in his eighth major tournament since 2006, a span that covers three World Cups and five Copas América. The milestone arrives amid a resurgent Argentina side that has navigated a challenging group. After a 1-1 draw with France in the opener, the Albiceleste needed a win to secure top spot in Group C. Messi’s goal set the tone, and Alexis Mac Allister doubled the lead in the 57th minute, sealing the victory and sending Argentina into the Round of 16 as group winners. The result also kept Nigeria’s hopes alive, though they were eliminated hours later by a 2-1 loss to France. Argentina’s defensive resilience—just two goals conceded in three games—has been a cornerstone of their progress, with Emiliano Martínez’s penalty save against France standing out as a defining moment. Messi’s record-tying goal drew immediate reaction from football’s global stage. FIFA’s official account hailed it as a ‘historic moment,’ while former Argentina striker Hernán Crespo called it ‘inevitable’ given Messi’s pedigree. ESPN’s analysts noted the psychological edge the achievement gives Argentina as they progress deeper into the tournament, with Messi now one goal away from sole possession of the record. The goal also sparked debates about Messi’s standing among the game’s greats, with some pundits arguing his World Cup legacy now rivals even Pelé and Maradona in terms of impact and longevity. The implications of Messi’s achievement extend beyond mere numbers. His ability to perform at such a high level at 38 years old challenges conventional wisdom about aging athletes in football. Traditionally, players begin to decline in their late 30s, but Messi’s exceptional fitness and skill have allowed him to defy those expectations. This longevity not only enhances his legacy but also sets a new standard for future generations of players, suggesting that with the right preparation and mindset, athletes can remain competitive well into their late careers. Moreover, Messi’s record-tying goal comes at a time when the World Cup is evolving, with younger talents emerging and changing the landscape of international football. His achievement serves as a reminder of the importance of experience and the impact of veteran players in high-stakes matches. As the tournament progresses, Messi’s presence will undoubtedly influence Argentina’s chances, and his pursuit of the record will be a focal point for fans and analysts alike, adding layers of narrative to the unfolding drama of the World Cup. What’s next: Messi and Argentina face Mexico in the Round of 16 on December 3, 2025. A win would set up a potential quarterfinal clash with either Spain or Germany, depending on results in the knockout rounds. The record chase adds a new layer of intrigue, with Messi poised to rewrite history if he scores again in the coming matches. The path to a potential final in Dallas on July 19, 2026, is lined with familiar obstacles—tough defensive sides and high-pressure knockout football—but Messi’s form suggests Argentina will be favorites to go deep. ## Why this matters Messi’s record-tying goal is more than a statistical footnote—it’s a bridge between eras. By matching Klose, he cements his place among the World Cup’s immortals while reminding the world that greatness isn’t confined to a single generation. The milestone also shifts focus to the next frontier: who will break the record? With Messi still in his prime and the tournament’s scoring landscape in flux, the chase for the all-time mark could define the next chapter of World Cup history. It also underscores how the World Cup’s scoring records are no longer the preserve of peak-20s strikers; Messi’s longevity redefines what’s possible for a modern outfield player. ## Frequently asked ### How many World Cup goals does Lionel Messi have now? Lionel Messi has 16 World Cup goals, tying Miroslav Klose’s all-time record. ### When did Messi score his record-tying goal? Messi scored his 16th World Cup goal on November 26, 2025, in Argentina’s 2-0 win over Nigeria. ### Who holds the record for most World Cup goals now? Messi and Klose are tied with 16 goals each. Messi is one goal away from breaking the record outright. ### How many World Cups has Messi played in? Messi has played in six World Cup editions: 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026. ### What’s next for Messi and Argentina in the 2026 World Cup? Argentina faces Mexico in the Round of 16 on December 3, 2025. A win would set up a potential quarterfinal clash with Spain or Germany. ### Has any player scored in six World Cups? No. Messi is the first player to score in six different World Cup editions, a record that may never be matched. ## Sources & Citations - [Messi empata récord histórico: así quedan los 10 goleadores del Mundial](https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/soccer/worldcup/2026/06/17/maximos-goleadores-historia-mundial-messi-empata-klose/90589126007/) — NewsData.io (2026-06-17) --- Cite: Messi joins Klose atop World Cup scoring charts. Sportopod, 2026-07-01. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/messi-empata-re-cord-histo-rico-asi-quedan-los-10-goleador-a9c1f0a2