Lionel Messi reached another historic milestone at FIFA World Cup 2026 by surpassing Miroslav Klose’s long-standing goalscoring record, while the German legend responded with admiration and respect.
Football history witnessed another unforgettable moment at the FIFA World Cup 2026 as Lionel Messi surpassed one of the tournament’s most celebrated records, ending Miroslav Klose’s reign as the World Cup’s all-time leading goalscorer.
The Argentine superstar achieved the milestone during Argentina’s match against Austria, adding yet another remarkable chapter to a career already filled with historic accomplishments. The achievement immediately sparked celebrations among fans worldwide and reinforced Messi’s status as one of football’s greatest icons.
What captured equal attention, however, was Klose’s gracious reaction. Speaking after the match, the German legend congratulated Messi and praised his relentless determination and extraordinary talent.
“I have always said that Messi is not someone who gives up,” Klose said. “For me, Messi is the greatest footballer of all time.”
Rather than focusing on the loss of his record, Klose highlighted Messi’s consistency and dedication throughout his career. “Messi is Messi,” he added. “I have always admired him.”
Klose’s World Cup record had stood as one of international football’s most respected achievements. Across four tournaments between 2002 and 2014, the German striker scored 16 goals and established a benchmark that remained untouched for more than a decade.
Now, that landmark belongs to Messi. Alongside his World Cup success, the Argentine captain has collected multiple Ballon d’Or awards, league titles, and major international trophies.
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