Lionel Messi breaks World Cup scoring record: who are the all-time leading goal-scorers in the tournament history?

Lionel Messi is now out on his own as the record scorer in World Cup history, taking his tally to 17 World Cup goals with a strike against Austria. The Argentina legend overtakes Germany striker Miroslav Klose.

Messi missed an early penalty against Austria, a rare slip-up from the Argentina captain. However he made up for it minutes later, slotting the ball home to take the outright scoring record.

Just two days shy of his 39th birthday, Messi followed up his stunning opening game hat-trick against Algeria. Messi struck three times against Algeria last week, giving Argentina a 3-0 win to start their title defense on the front foot.

Who has scored the most World Cup goals?

Messi moves to the top of the all-time standings, overtaking Klose in the process. The Germany striker scored 16 goals across 24 World Cup appearances, finally taking the record en route to his nation’s triumph at the 2014 tournament.

Klose took the record off Brazil forward Ronaldo, who struck 15 goals in 19 games on soccer’s biggest stage. Close behind are Gerd Müller and Kylian Mbappé on 14 goals, although the 27-year-old Mbappé will almost certainly add to his tally in the future. Here’s a look at the full

Here’s a look at the standings, at time of writing...

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