Miroslav Klose Speaks Out as Lionel Messi Shatters His World Cup Goal Record

Germany icon Miroslav Klose expressed his joy at watching Lionel Messi surpass his World Cup goal-scoring record.

A hat-trick in Argentina's opening match against Algeria drew Messi level with Klose on 16 goals, before the Inter Miami star added two more against Austria to claim the top spot in the all-time scoring charts.

"I've always said Messi is no pushover," Klose chuckled to the Süddeutsche Zeitung. "For me, Lionel Messi is the greatest footballer of all time! Congratulations, champion."

For Klose, relinquishing the record this summer was hardly a shock. Before the tournament kicked off, he acknowledged: "That's completely fine, the record was going to fall eventually anyway, and if so, Messi is more than welcome to take it. I'm a huge admirer of Messi, always have been. [Messi is] a genius."

Top Scorers in World Cup History

Messi's Characteristically Low-Key Response

While Klose was brimming with enthusiasm when discussing the end of his storied record, Messi chose to take a more measured approach.

Never one to reveal too much in front of the cameras, Messi's first reaction to breaking the record was to admit he was "too exhausted to think about it."

"I'm savoring this moment and looking forward to being with my teammates ... it's been incredible how everything has played out," he said. "I had the penalty, which could have added to my tally. But maybe the others wouldn't have followed, you just never know. I'm pleased with the team."

Later, once he had a moment to compose himself, Messi showed a touch more enthusiasm before once again redirecting attention to the overall team display.

"Happiness, of course," Messi revealed, when asked how he felt after breaking such a landmark record. "Tremendous happiness, especially for the win. A very hard-fought victory.

"Delighted with the result and the qualification. It was crucial for us to secure six points to have a calmer week ahead. That's all. So yes, very happy."

How the World Cup Goal Record Could Fall Again This Summer

While Messi's goalscoring feats have rightly commanded the spotlight so far, another player has been making a remarkable charge up the all-time rankings this summer.

Kylian Mbappé drew level with Klose on 16 goals just hours after Messi reached 18. The French forward hit that milestone in just his 16th World Cup appearance, boasting a staggering goals-per-game ratio that even Messi cannot match.

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Messi may hold the record for now, but Mbappé, who has netted four goals in two matches this summer, could well overtake the Argentine if everything falls into place over the weeks ahead.