As Lionel Messi gears up for what insiders are calling the most high-stakes World Cup of his life, one of the tournament’s greatest legends has reportedly admitted that his historic scoring record is about to crumble — and he’s allegedly rooting for one superstar over another.
Miroslav Klose, the German icon who sits alone at the summit of all-time World Cup goals with 16, has broken his silence in a stunning new interview. Sources close to the 46-year-old claim he’s not just expecting his record to fall — he’s reportedly hoping it’s Lionel Messi who does the honors, not Kylian Mbappe.
“I am totally relaxed about this, I just let things take their course. If it has to happen, it will happen,” Klose told Sport Bild. “I would be really happy if it were Messi, because I value him so highly as a player.”
The timing couldn’t be more dramatic. Messi enters the 2026 tournament with 13 World Cup goals — just three shy of Klose’s mark — while Mbappe, at just 27 years old, has already bagged 12 in only two tournaments. That leaves both superstars breathing down Klose’s neck, and according to reports, the former Bayern Munich striker believes it’s only a matter of time.
“I am sure that my World Cup scoring record will be broken soon,” Klose added. “Either Lionel Messi gets it at this World Cup, or at the very latest, Kylian Mbappe does it in the next one.”
Insiders say Klose’s preference for Messi isn’t just about respect — it’s reportedly about legacy. The German legend, who scored his 16 goals across four World Cups, apparently sees the Argentine magician as a more fitting heir than the explosive Frenchman. But don’t expect Klose to lose any sleep over it. Sources describe him as “completely at peace” with being dethroned, insisting he’s more focused on watching the game evolve than clinging to history.
Another Klose Record Under Siege — Messi, Mbappe, and Ronaldo All in the Hunt
But the goals record isn’t the only piece of World Cup history Klose might surrender this summer. The German striker also holds the all-time mark for most individual World Cup match victories — 17 wins — and once again, Messi is reportedly on the verge of snatching it away.
With 16 career World Cup wins already in the books, the Inter Miami captain needs just one more victory — a single group-stage triumph against Algeria, Austria, or Jordan — to pull level with Klose. Insiders close to the Argentina camp claim the team is buzzing about the double milestone, with many players reportedly eager to help Messi rewrite the record books one game at a time.
But Messi isn’t the only threat. Mbappe and German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer each have 11 wins under their belts, while Cristiano Ronaldo enters his sixth World Cup with 10 victories. According to reports, Klose is keeping a close eye on the Portuguese star too, though Ronaldo would need a deep run to close the gap.
What This Means for the 2026 World Cup
With both records dangling in the balance, the stakes have never been higher for the stars involved. Fans are reportedly buzzing about the possibility of Messi not only defending Argentina’s crown but also cementing his status as the most decorated World Cup player in history. Meanwhile, Mbappe — who many observers say is hungry to claim the throne for himself — could use the tournament as a launching pad to dominance.
Either way, one thing appears certain: Klose’s name is about to be erased from the top spot, and the German legend seems more than okay with that. As one source put it, “He’s already a legend. Records are meant to be broken — he just wants to see who does it in style.”
Leave a Comment