Lionel Messi is edging closer to yet another historic milestone, standing just four goals away from becoming the greatest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history. The Argentine captain, who already owns a catalogue of World Cup records, has scored 13 goals across his five tournaments (2006–2022). The benchmark he is now chasing belongs to Germany’s Miroslav Klose, who leads the all-time charts with 16 goals.
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the possibility of Messi surpassing that total is one of the most compelling storylines ahead of the tournament. At 39, some might imagine his influence to be fading, yet Messi’s international performances continue to show remarkable consistency. His four goals in Qatar 2022 — including crucial strikes in the semi-final and final — proved he remains one of the sport’s most decisive figures on the biggest stage.
Becoming the outright top scorer in World Cup history would add another layer to an already unparalleled legacy. Messi holds the records for most World Cup appearances (26) and most minutes played, and he is the only player to register an assist in five separate World Cups. Should he find the net four more times in 2026, he would not only surpass Klose but also extend his lead among active players, none of whom are close to his tally.
Argentina’s attack heading into 2026 is expected to blend youth with experience, giving Messi the platform to play with freedom while selecting his moments. Players like Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández, and Alejandro Garnacho are likely to shoulder more of the workload, potentially opening more space for Messi to operate in deeper positions — a role in which he has grown increasingly influential.
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Argentina will enter the World Cup among the favourites, not only because they are defending champions but also because Messi’s presence continues to elevate the team. Every goal, every touch, and every appearance brings a sense of occasion. Should he score four more times, it would cement his place at the absolute summit of World Cup scoring — a fitting achievement for the player many consider the greatest of all time.
As football prepares for the expanded 2026 edition, the world will watch closely. Messi has broken almost every record available to him — this might be the last great one left.
