The World Cup is looking for a new historical top scorer.

The historic record of Miroslav Klose, the all-time top scorer in FIFA World Cup history with 16 goals, may become a thing of the past today, Monday.

Argentinian Lionel Messi has already matched the record of the former German striker after scoring a hat-trick in the match where the Argentine team defeated Algeria 3-0 in their opening game of the World Cup.

Any goal Messi scores today against Austria will give him sole possession of the historic record.

French captain Kylian Mbappé also remains a contender for this achievement, having raised his tally to 14 World Cup goals thanks to his brace in the 3-1 victory over Senegal.

Mbappé is also expected to play today against Iraq, in what will be his 100th match for the French national team.

However, even if Messi takes the lead, it may only be temporary, as Mbappé has the advantage of age in the long run, being 27 years old, while Messi is 38 and is likely playing in his last World Cup.

Assuming he does not suffer an injury or any other circumstance, it is likely that Mbappé will participate in at least one more World Cup at the age of 31, and possibly even another one at 35.

It is no surprise that Mbappé, who has also become the all-time top scorer for the French national team with 58 goals, acknowledges that everyone talks to him about Klose's record.

He said: "Everyone talks to me about Klose's record. It would be surreal to break that record."

He added: "This is the first time in my life that one of the records seems unrealistic to me. Because I never imagined I would reach this level in a tournament that all the great football legends participated in, and I am only 27 and have only played in two World Cups."

As for Messi, who, like Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo, is participating in the World Cup for the sixth time, he shares similar feelings.

He said: "When I was a child, I never imagined all the things I would experience later. I don't look at the numbers. It is a great honor to be alongside Klose, Ronaldo, and Mbappé."

Messi responded to skeptics regarding the impact of age by scoring three goals, while Mbappé showcased his great quality despite coming off a season without titles with Real Madrid.

Mbappé said: "My ultimate goal is to win the World Cup, add the third star to the French jersey, return to the Champs-Élysées with the trophy in hand, and give the French people an unforgettable summer."