A World Cup record that once looked untouchable suddenly feels vulnerable.
And the man who owns it isn’t trying to protect it.
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup unfolds across North America, Germany legend Miroslav Klose has openly admitted he expects his all-time goal-scoring record to fall — and if anyone is going to take it, he would be delighted if it were Lionel Messi.
That admission alone is remarkable.
For more than a decade, Klose’s tally of 16 World Cup goals has stood as one of football’s most iconic achievements. But now, thanks to an expanded tournament format and a new generation of elite forwards, the race to rewrite history is officially underway.
Klose Sees the Writing on the Wall
The tournament began with Mexico defeating South Africa in the opening match, but another storyline immediately moved into focus: the battle for World Cup immortality.
Klose remains the competition’s greatest scorer, having produced 16 goals in 24 World Cup appearances during his legendary international career.
Yet the former Germany striker believes the conditions now favor attackers more than ever before.
Speaking to Suddeutsche Zeitung, Klose said:
“I expect my record to be broken in this tournament.”
He pointed directly to the expanded format as a major reason.
More teams.
More matches.
More opportunities.
And for players already operating at historic levels, that combination could be decisive.
Why Lionel Messi Is Suddenly Back in the Spotlight
Klose didn’t just acknowledge the possibility of losing the record.
He practically endorsed one specific successor.
The German icon said:
“That’s perfectly fine, the record will be broken eventually anyway, Messi is welcome to do it. I’m a huge Messi fan, always have been.”
It’s a striking show of respect from one football legend to another.
Messi enters the tournament with 13 World Cup goals, meaning he sits just three behind Klose’s benchmark.
That gap is small enough to keep every Argentina match under a microscope.
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World Cup Goal Race
| Player | Goals |
|---|---|
| Miroslav Klose | 16 |
| Lionel Messi | 13 |
| Kylian Mbappe | 12 |
Suddenly, every goal carries historical weight.
And that’s where things become interesting.
The Mbappe Threat Is Real
While much of the attention naturally falls on Messi, Kylian Mbappe may represent the biggest long-term danger to Klose’s record.
The France superstar has already scored 12 World Cup goals despite making only 14 tournament appearances.
That scoring rate is extraordinary.
Klose specifically highlighted France as one of the teams he expects to make a deep run, increasing Mbappe’s chances of adding significantly to his total.
The numbers tell their own story:
- Klose: 16 goals in 24 matches
- Messi: 13 goals entering 2026
- Mbappe: 12 goals in just 14 matches
The record chase is no longer theoretical.
It’s happening right now.
The Scaloni Connection Adds Another Layer
Klose’s comments weren’t limited to Messi’s brilliance.
He also revealed his admiration for Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, a figure he knows personally from their time together at Lazio.
Klose explained:
“Messi is a genius. And I also have a lot of respect for the Argentinian coach Scaloni. I played with him at Lazio. He showed me around the city a bit back then. We’re good friends.”
That personal connection makes his support for Argentina’s campaign even more notable.
And with the defending champions beginning another World Cup journey, expectations remain enormous.
Contrarian View: Is Breaking the Record Really Easier?
Not everyone will automatically agree with Klose’s assessment.
Yes, the tournament has expanded.
Yes, there are more matches available.
But more games do not guarantee more goals.
Defenses are increasingly sophisticated, tactical preparation is deeper than ever, and the pressure of knockout football remains relentless.
History is filled with legendary forwards who entered tournaments chasing records and left empty-handed.
The opportunity may be bigger.
The challenge remains just as brutal.
That’s why Klose’s mark has survived for so long.
What Happens Next?
Argentina begin their title defense against Algeria before facing Austria and Jordan in Group B.
Those opening matches offer Messi an immediate opportunity to close the gap.
Every finish.
Every penalty.
Every moment inside the box.
It all matters now.
Meanwhile, France’s campaign will be watched just as closely, with Mbappe carrying perhaps the most explosive scoring profile in modern international football.
One thing is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore:
A record that once felt permanent now feels temporary.
And the remarkable part?
The man who owns it appears completely at peace with that reality.
The question is no longer whether Klose’s World Cup goal record is under threat.
The question is whether Lionel Messi or Kylian Mbappe will be the one remembered for finally breaking it.
Editorial Disclaimer: This article is based entirely on publicly available information and statements attributed to the individuals involved. No facts, quotes, statistics, outcomes, or timelines have been fabricated. Analysis and interpretation may evolve as new information emerges during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.