Messi vs Mbappe: Who Will Become World Cup’s All-Time Top Scorer First?

Some records in football feel permanent until suddenly they don’t and Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe have a chance to write their name in the history books. Miroslav Klose’s tally of 16 World Cup goals has stood untouched for years, but now it feels like a matter of time rather than possibility. The Argentinian sits on 13 goals, while Mbappe is right behind with 12.

Two different careers, two different timelines, both heading toward the same piece of history. After the 2022 FIFA World Cup, this race has gone from hypothetical to very real. The Argentinian’s situation is simple but uncertain. At 13 goals, he is just three behind Klose, which means one strong tournament run could be enough to take him to the top.

The bigger question isn’t ability it’s opportunity. If he plays one more World Cup, Argentina won’t just rely on him for creativity; they’ll still look to him in decisive moments. He may not burst past defenders like he once did, but he doesn’t need to. His game now is about control, positioning, and picking the right moments, and that’s often what decides goals at this level.

Both Messi and Mbappé could become the World Cup all-time top goalscorer this summer 🚨

Miroslav Klose currently holds the record but the Argentinian & Frenchman are not far behind 🇦🇷🇫🇷

Who do you think will break the record first? 🤔⬇️ pic.twitter.com/sGCMtqYvn1

— DAZN (@DAZN) March 30, 2026

Mbappe likely to break the record at some point over Messi

Mbappe’s case feels different. With 12 goals already in just two tournaments, his numbers suggest he’s operating on a completely different trajectory. Since announcing himself in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, he has made the World Cup his stage, not just another competition.

The key difference is time while the Argentinian might have one shot left, Mbappe could realistically have two or even three more. That changes everything, because even if he doesn’t break the record immediately, he will keep getting chances to chip away at it.

So the question becomes less about who can do it and more about when it happens. The Argentinian, with 13 goals, is close enough to finish the job quickly if circumstances align. Mbappe, with 12, doesn’t carry that urgency, but he carries something more valuable time and momentum.

If Messi gets one last run, he’s the favorite to break the record first. But looking beyond that moment, it’s hard to ignore where this is heading. Mbappe isn’t just chasing Klose’s 16, he looks capable of setting a number that future generations might struggle to reach.