Messi just broke the all-time World Cup scoring record — here's who held it before him

At the 2026 World Cup, Lionel Messi surpassed Miroslav Klose's record of 16 goals to become the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history — at 39 years old.

The record had belonged to Miroslav Klose since 2014, when the German striker netted his 16th during the infamous 7-1 demolition of Brazil. Before Klose, it was Brazil's Ronaldo with 15. Before that, Gerd Müller with 14. Each record seemed unbreakable — until the next legend arrived.

What makes Messi's achievement remarkable isn't just the number — it's the longevity. His World Cup goals span from 2006 (age 18) to 2026 (age 39), a 20-year stretch that matches Cristiano Ronaldo's record for the longest span between first and most recent World Cup goals.