‘I would love Messi to do it’ - Lazio legend Klose on his World Cup record being broken

Miroslav Klose has admitted he expects his all-time World Cup goalscoring record to fall during the 2026 tournament, with both Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe well placed to surpass his mark of 16 goals set in 2014, and the former Lazio striker says he would be delighted if it is Messi who does it.

The German, who now coaches Nurnberg, broke Ronaldo Nazario’s previous record during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Speaking to German outlet Süddeutsche Zeitung, Klose explained why he believes this tournament is particularly likely to produce a new record holder.

“I expect my record to be broken at this World Cup,” he said. “This is an expanded edition, there are more matches and therefore more opportunities to score. Both Messi and Mbappe will go far, and that is absolutely fine, the record was always going to be broken eventually.”

On who he would prefer to see take the record, Klose’s answer reflected a long-standing admiration.

“If it happens, I would be pleased if it were Messi,” he said. “I have always been a huge fan of his, he is a genius.”

Klose also revealed a personal connection to current Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, with whom he played at Lazio.

“I also have great respect for the coach of Argentina,” he said. “Back in our Lazio days I showed him around the city, took him to see everything. We are good friends.”