I've always said he is no slouch: Klose salutes Messi on breaking FIFA WC's all-time scoring record
Mexico City, June 23
Former Germany forward Miroslav Klose congratulated Lionel Messi after the Argentine broke his World Cup goalscoring record with a first-half strike in Argentina's 2-0 win over Austria in Dallas. He added another goal in stoppage time to take his career tally in the tournament to 18 goals.
With the brace, Messi surpassed Klose, who previously held the record with 16 World Cup goals. The achievement came during Messi's sixth FIFA World Cup campaign, making him the first men's player ever to appear in six editions of the tournament (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026).
"I've always said Messi is no slouch," Klose, 48, told German newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung. "For me, Lionel Messi is the best footballer of all time! Congratulations, champion!"
Klose held the title of the World Cup's record scorer for 12 years, netting at every final between 2002 and 2014. scored five goals each at the 2002 and 2006 World Cups before netting four times in 2010 and twice in 2014.
Speaking prior to the tournament, and in anticipation of Messi breaking his record, Klose told FIFA, "Messi is simply Messi. I've always admired the way he solved problems and the way he carried himself as a person, even on the pitch."
Messi scored once in 2006, four times in 2014, once in 2018, seven times in 2022 and has netted five goals in the current tournament. He has played in a joint-record six editions of the World Cup, scoring at five of those, with his first goal at the tournament coming against Serbia and Montenegro in 2006. He was unable, however, to select his favourite of the 18 strikes, so exhausted was he after his latest act of history making.
"I don't know, to be honest, I can't remember right now," he told Telemundo. "I'm tired, I'm running low on energy, and I'm finding it hard to think, so anyway, I'm just going to enjoy this moment, and I'm looking forward to celebrating with my team-mates."
So far, Messi has enjoyed a stellar start to the tournament, leading the tournament's scoring race with five goals in Argentina's opening two matches. His campaign began with a hat-trick in a first-round victory over Algeria before he added the historic record-breaking brace against Austria. The result also secured La Albiceleste's place in the Round of 32.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I used to think Klose's record would never be broken, especially with how defensive modern football has become at World Cups. But Messi is just on another planet. Respect to Klose for being such a gracious sport about it. That's real class.
As a football fan from India, seeing Messi break records like this is pure bliss. But honestly, I think we should also appreciate how Klose held that record for 12 years—that's no joke. Both are legends in their own right. 🏆⚽
Messi is absolutely phenomenal. Five goals in two matches already? That's insane. I just hope he stays fit and leads Argentina to another title. This World Cup is shaping up to be his magnum opus.
Great achievement, but let's not forget Klose scored his goals without taking penalties. Messi's record includes several spot-kicks. Still, incredible longevity from the Argentine. The debate continues...
Klose's humility is what makes this story special. Instead of being bitter, he's celebrating Messi. That's the spirit of football. Meanwhile, Messi just keeps making history like it's routine. Jai ho Messi! 🐐
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