All-Time FIFA World Cup Top Scorers, Messi Is Still Ahead
After one stunning goal against Cape Verde, Messi keeps holding his position as the all-time top scorer at the FIFA World Cup.
Lionel Messi has added another remarkable chapter to his legendary career. By scoring against Cape Verde at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Argentine captain officially reached 20 World Cup goals, extending his record as the competition's all-time leading scorer.
The milestone further cements Messi's place at the top of football history and highlights his extraordinary consistency across multiple World Cup tournaments.
Messi now stands alone with 20 World Cup goals, ahead of France's Kylian Mbappe, who currently sits second with 18. Mbappe has enjoyed a phenomenal World Cup career despite still being in his twenties, making him the biggest threat to Messi's record in the years ahead.
Germany legend Miroslav Klose occupies third place with 16 goals, followed by Brazilian icon Ronaldo Nazario with 15 and German great Gerd Muller with 14.
England captain Harry Kane shares sixth place with French legend Just Fontaine on 13 goals each, while Brazilian football king Pele follows with 12. Cristiano Ronaldo and Germany's Jurgen Klinsmann round out the top 10, both with 11 World Cup goals.
What makes this record even more fascinating is that it may not be finished yet. Messi continues to lead Argentina's title defense at the 2026 World Cup, while Mbappe remains France's attacking spearhead.
Harry Kane is still leading England's campaign, and Cristiano Ronaldo also remains active in the tournament with Portugal. All four players have opportunities to increase their goal totals before the competition concludes.
For Messi, however, reaching 20 goals is another milestone in a career filled with unforgettable achievements. Already the first player to reach this landmark, he continues to redefine what longevity and excellence look like on football's biggest stage.
Every goal he scores now extends a record that once seemed untouchable, while simultaneously setting an even higher standard for future generations. With the knockout rounds still underway, the race for more World Cup history is far from over, but for now, Lionel Messi stands alone at the summit with 20 goals—and counting.