Klose Open to Messi Breaking World Cup Goal Record at WC26
Published June 13, 2026
Former Germany international Miroslav Klose anticipates his all-time FIFA World Cup goal-scoring record will be surpassed during the 2026 tournament, expressing a personal desire for Lionel Messi to be the one to achieve it.
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Miroslav Klose, the legendary German striker who holds the record for most goals scored in FIFA World Cup history with 16, believes his milestone is likely to be eclipsed at the upcoming 2026 tournament. With the expanded format of the World Cup set to feature 48 teams across host nations USA, Canada, and Mexico, offering more matches and opportunities, Klose sees the stage as perfectly set for a new record holder to emerge.
Among the prime candidates, both Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé are widely considered capable of reaching or surpassing Klose's tally. However, the former Lazio forward has openly stated his preference for one particular player. Klose, who broke Ronaldo Nazário's previous record in 2014, shared his deep admiration for the Argentine captain, describing him as a "genius" and someone he has long been a fan of. He noted he would be "pleased" if Messi were to claim the record.
The 2026 World Cup, scheduled for June and July, promises an exciting spectacle, and the chase for individual records like Klose's will undoubtedly add another layer of intrigue. As Klose himself acknowledged, records are eventually meant to be broken, and the German, now coaching Nurnberg, seems ready to pass the torch, especially if it's to a player he holds in such high regard.