All-time greatest: who is the highest goalscorer in World Cup history?

Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé are vying to become not just 2026 World Cup winners but also the greatest goalscorers in the history of the tournament. Here’s how they compare with others on the all-time list Golden Boot: World Cup 2026 top goalscorers Lionel Messi started his 2026 World Cup campaign with a hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Algeria. The trio of strikes gave him a career total of 16 World Cup goals, equalling the existing record held by Miroslav Klose. It’s reasonable to expect the ...

By Seán Clarke and Andrew Beasley

Messi’s Hat Trick Revives Argentina’s World Cup Dreams And Adds To His Legacy - Forbes

Messi’s Hat Trick Revives Argentina’s World Cup Dreams And Adds To His Legacy  Forbes

The extraordinary numbers behind Lionel Messi – and the all-time World Cup record now in his grasp

Analysis: Messi has long been called ‘incomparable’, but if that greatness manifested itself largely in the colours of Barcelona, it may have come later in life in the Albiceleste of Argentina

By Richard Jolly

The sixth (and final) World Cup act of Leo Messi

The Argentine, who against Algeria can beat Cristiano Ronaldo to the record of being the first player to have played in six World Cups, maintained the suspense until the last minute

By Lorenzo Calonge Calonge

Top stars shine but a raft of draws after first World Cup group games

The World Cup has felt both very much the same and very different now every team has played one match. The big names have already come out to play, with Argentina's Lionel Messi starting the defence of the title with a hat-trick to top the scoring list ahead of the likes of Kylian Mbappé and Harry Kane on two goals.

What is the legacy badge? Why Messi and Ronaldo are wearing it at FIFA World Cup

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are among the first to wear the new FIFA World Cup Legacy badge at the 2026 tournament. This special sleeve patch honors players with exceptional longevity and achievements, recognizing their enduring impact on World Cup history. The badge celebrates their record-equalling sixth appearances and significant contributions to the sport.

By TOI SPORTS DESK

Lionel Messi escaped a red card before scoring a World Cup hat-trick

Richard Jolly: Lionel Messi’s late World Cup run is flipping the script on his international legacy

By Richard Jolly

Ronaldo Messi Neymar Final World Cup Story | One last shot at legacya - The Daily Star

Ronaldo Messi Neymar Final World Cup Story | One last shot at legacya  The Daily Star

This is Lionel Messi AI, Oliseh hails World Cup hat-trick performance

Sunday Oliseh hails Lionel Messi’s ‘superhuman’ World Cup hat-trick performance, describing the 38-year-old as ‘Lionel Messi AI’. Read More: https://punchng.com/this-is-lionel-messi-ai-oliseh-hails-world-cup-hat-trick-performance/

By Punch Newspapers

World Cup hat tricks: Messi’s was the latest, an American scored the first and other key facts - Ahram Online

World Cup hat tricks: Messi’s was the latest, an American scored the first and other key facts  Ahram Online

World Cup 2026 Golden Boot standings: Hat-trick hero Lionel Messi surges to the summit as Kylian Mbappe & Erling Haaland stake their claims for FIFA award - Goal.com

World Cup 2026 Golden Boot standings: Hat-trick hero Lionel Messi surges to the summit as Kylian Mbappe & Erling Haaland stake their claims for FIFA award  Goal.com