“The record would've gone anyway”: Klose's class as Messi passed him | OneFootball

Lionel Messi became the all-time top scorer in the World Cup by reaching 21 goals in 2026, surpassing the record of Germany’s Miroslav Klose. After this milestone, the former German striker revealed details of the emotional phone conversation he had with the captain of the Argentina National Team and praised his attitude. In statements reported by the French outlet L’Equipe, the former forward said emphatically: “Messi is an incredible phenomenon.”

The conversation took place thanks to the mediation of Lionel Scaloni, who was Klose’s teammate at Italy’s Lazio between 2011 and 2013. During an event organized by FC Nuremberg—a German second-division club he has managed for the past two years—the former footballer explained how the exchange came about: “Scaloni was my teammate and we still keep in touch regularly. He arranged a call between Messi and me after he equaled my World Cup scoring record. It was very emotional.”

Throughout the conversation, the Rosario-born star showed special consideration for the Brazil 2014 world champion, who retired with 16 goals in four World Cups. With visible joy, the legendary German scorer said: “He told me he would send me a signed jersey.” Although the two athletes had faced each other many times on the pitch, this occasion marked a turning point in their personal relationship: “Of course, Messi and I have crossed paths from time to time, which has always been pleasant and respectful. But this call was the first time we spoke for an extended period outside of football,” he recalled.

Klose’s admiration for the Argentine had already been expressed publicly before, specifically when the forward surpassed 18 goals after the match against Austria in the group stage. At that time, the former player did not hold back in his praise and said: “For me, Lionel Messi is the greatest footballer of all time. Congratulations, champion!” Completely at ease with losing his statistical lead, he concluded:

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