Miroslav Klose has held the World Cup scoring record for over a decade, but the German legend isn’t just bracing for it to fall — he’s actively cheering for the man he thinks should be the one to do it.
Speaking with German outlet Süddeutsche Zeitung, Klose said he expects either Lionel Messi or Kylian Mbappé to surpass his mark of 16 goals during the 2026 tournament. The expanded format, with more matches and more opportunities, makes this the likeliest World Cup yet to produce a new all-time leader.
“I expect my record to be broken at this World Cup,” Klose said. “This is an expanded edition, there are more matches and therefore more opportunities to score. Both Messi and Mbappé will go far, and that is absolutely fine — the record was always going to be broken eventually.”
Messi currently sits at 13 World Cup goals, while Kylian Mbappé has 12 — both within striking distance. But when asked who he’d prefer to see take the crown, Klose didn’t hesitate.
“If it happens, I would be pleased if it were Messi,” he said. “I have always been a huge fan of his, he is a genius.”
Klose, now coaching 2. Bundesliga side Nürnberg, broke Brazil legend Ronaldo Nazário’s record of 15 goals during the 2014 World Cup. He knows better than anyone how tough it is to score on that stage — and how fleeting a record can be.
A Lazio Brotherhood
Klose’s bond with Argentina runs deeper than admiration. He revealed a personal connection with current Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni, dating back to their days as teammates at Lazio.
“I also have great respect for the coach of Argentina,” Klose said. “Back in our Lazio days I showed him around the city, took him to see everything. We are good friends.”
That friendship adds an emotional layer to what could unfold this summer. Scaloni, who led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title, will be tasked with getting Messi the service needed to break the record — and perhaps delivering another trophy in the process.
Argentina opens the tournament as one of the favorites, with Messi fresh off an MVP season in MLS and clearly determined to add to his legacy. Mbappé, meanwhile, will lead France with the same ambition and a two-goal closer gap to close.
Klose, for his part, sounds at peace with the idea that his name will eventually drop down the leaderboard. There’s no bitterness — only respect for the chase.
“This World Cup will be different,” Klose said. “And it will produce a new record holder. That’s how it’s supposed to be.”
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