Miroslav Klose congratulates Lionel Messi after World Cup record

Miroslav Klose sent a classy message to Lionel Messi after the Argentine icon officially surpassed him as the highest goalscorer in World Cup history. Messi, 38, climbed to the top of the mountain following a clinical performance against Austria as the defending champions continued their pursuit of more glory.

Klose, who retired with 16 goals on the world's biggest stage and had held the top spot since 2014, was quick to offer praise. "I've always said Messi is no slouch," the 48-year-old said. "For me, Leo is the best footballer of all time! Congratulations, champion!" He added that he had predicted the mark would be bettered before the 2026 edition: "That's perfectly fine, the record will be broken eventually anyway, and then Messi is welcome to do it.

I'm a big fan of Messi, always have been." Messi entered the clash against Austria having already equalled Klose's mark of 16 thanks to a sensational hat-trick in Argentina's 3-0 opening victory against Algeria.

Argentina

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