Miroslav Klose Congratulates Lionel Messi on Breaking World Cup Goals Record

Miroslav Klose, Germany’s iconic World Cup goal scorer, has extended his congratulations to Lionel Messi after the Argentina captain shattered his long-standing record for the most goals in the history of the FIFA World Cup. Klose, who found the net 16 times across four World Cup tournaments for Germany, lauded Messi as “the best of all time” following the significant milestone.

Messi broke Klose’s record with a brace during Argentina’s World Cup 2026 Group J fixture against Austria on June 22. The Paris Saint-Germain forward has now accumulated 18 World Cup goals, solidifying his position at the top of the all-time scoring charts.

Klose’s Legacy

Miroslav Klose established his formidable World Cup record over 24 appearances for Germany between the 2002 and 2014 tournaments. His career also includes being a crucial member of Germany’s victorious 2014 World Cup squad and clinching the coveted adidas Golden Boot in 2006 with five goals.

Messi’s World Cup Journey

Lionel Messi has been a consistent and impactful figure at the World Cup finals since his debut in Germany in 2006. He holds the record for most appearances in the tournament, with 28 matches played, and notably only failed to score in the 2010 edition. While Messi has achieved ultimate team success by winning the World Cup with Argentina in 2022, he has yet to secure the tournament’s top scorer award.

A Moment of Sportsmanship

This exchange between Klose and Messi highlights a commendable display of sportsmanship between two of football’s most celebrated athletes. It acknowledges a historic individual achievement within the context of the sport’s most prestigious global competition, underscoring Messi’s enduring legacy.

Key Statistics and Achievements

This record-breaking moment is significant for football enthusiasts worldwide, marking a generational shift in one of the sport’s most revered individual accolades. Messi’s sustained excellence, now recognized by a legend like Klose, further cements his status as one of the game’s all-time greats and a defining player on the World Cup stage.

Source: Bundesliga – https://www.bundesliga.com/en/bundesliga/news/klose-congratulates-messi-world-cup-goals-record-37929