FIFA World Cup 2026: Klose congratulates Messi on breaking World Cup goals record, calls him "best footballer of all time"
Texas, June 23
German legend Miroslav Klose congratulated Lionel Messi and hailed the Argentine captain as the "best footballer of all time" after the 38-year-old overtook Klose to become the highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history, as per Goal.com.
Messi achieved the feat during Argentina's Group J clash against Austria on Monday, June 22 (local time), scoring twice in a 2-0 victory that helped the defending champions secure qualification for the knockout stage.
The Argentine star entered the match level with Klose on 16 World Cup goals after equalling the German's record in Argentina's tournament opener against Algeria.
Messi then overtook Klose with his opening goal in the 38th minute against Austria before adding another in stoppage time to take his overall World Cup tally to 18 goals.
Klose congratulated Messi for surpassing his record and also hailed the Argentine captain as the best footballer of all time.
"I've always said Messi is no slouch. For me, Leo is the best footballer of all time! Congratulations, champion," Klose said as quoted by Goal.com.
Apart from becoming the all-time leading goalscorer in men's FIFA World Cup history, Messi also achieved another significant milestone during the match.
According to Opta, the 38-year-old became only the second player in men's FIFA World Cup history to score four or more goals in three different editions of the tournament (2014, 2022 and 2026). The only other player to accomplish the feat is Klose.
The two goals against Austria also propelled Messi to the top of the scoring charts at the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026, with five goals in just two matches. He had entered the fixture on the back of a hat-trick against Algeria in Argentina's opening game of the tournament.
The 38-year-old has now scored in six consecutive World Cup matches and has equalled the all-time record of six straight World Cup games with a goal, a mark jointly held by France's Just Fontaine and Brazil's Jairzinho.
With six points from two matches, Argentina currently sit at the top of Group J and has already secured its place in the knockout stage of the tournament.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Messi truly is a gift to football. 🐐 But I hope we don't forget the context—playing more matches now than earlier eras. Still, 18 goals in World Cups is phenomenal. India needs to work on grassroots football to ever produce such greatness.
Absolutely deserved! Messi has been a joy to watch since his early days at Barcelona. Scoring in six straight World Cup matches is insane—equaling Fontaine and Jairzinho is no small feat. Long live the GOAT! 🐐⚽
Klose's words carry weight—he's a humble legend himself. Messi breaking the record is no surprise, but what impresses me is his consistency across decades. The hat-trick against Algeria followed by a brace against Austria shows he's still hungry. Argentina looking strong for the title defense!
Great achievement but let's be honest—Pele and Maradona played in tougher eras with lesser protection. Messi benefits from modern rules favoring attackers. Still, 18 World Cup goals is remarkable. Glad Klose acknowledged him so gracefully.
Wow! Messi is simply magical. ✨ As an Indian, I wish we could see our own players shine on such a stage. The way he controls the ball and finishes is pure poetry. Argentina vs Austria 2-0—perfect performance! 👏
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