Article by Alexandru Tomuțiu – Published Monday, June 15, 2026, 09:29 / Updated Monday, June 15, 2026 09:29
Miroslav Klose (48), Germany's legendary goalscorer, has admitted that he expects his record for goals scored in finals tournaments to be broken during the current edition in North America.
The former striker said that the new structural changes in the global competition make this historic landmark extremely vulnerable. Klose leads the ranking of goalscorers in the history of the World Cup, with 16 successes. He is followed by Ronaldo Nazario (15), Gerd Muller (14) and Lionel Messi (13). Mbappe is 7th with 12 successes.
Nürnberg's current manager believes the move to an expanded 48-team tournament format gives strikers more chances to score.
Miroslav Klose: “I would be delighted if Lionel Messi broke my record”
Miroslav Klose explained that the inevitable handing over of the baton is about to happen in the coming weeks: “I expect my record to be broken at this World Championship.
This is an extended edition, there are more matches and therefore more opportunities to score. Both Messi and Mbappe will go far, and that's absolutely fine; the record was going to be broken at some point anyway.”
Asked which superstar he would prefer to see inherit his prestigious international title, the Germany forward had no hesitation in picking the Argentina captain over Mbappe.
Lionel Messi scored in the last training match before the World Cup // photo: Instagram
Klose revealed his deep affection for the South American footballer, along with a personal connection with current Albiceleste coach Lionel Scaloni, stating: “If it happens, I would be delighted if it was Messi. I've always been a big fan of his, he's a genius.
I also have great respect for the Argentina coach. During our time in Lazio, I showed him around the city, took him to see everything. We are good friends”.
