The records that look set to be broken

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. The World Cup records that look set to be brokenImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Lionel Messi has appeared at six World Cups, scoring 16 goalsByCharlotte CoatesBBC Sport journalistPublished50 minutes agoThe 2026 World Cup may only be 10 days old but the tournament has already rewritten football history. Not wanting to be outdone by the other, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane and Erling Haaland all came out of the blocks firing in their respective nations' opening fixtures. And as the World Cup's biggest hitters prepare to make their second appearances at the first 48-team competition, records aplenty look ready to fall.

From Argentina's Messi and Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo extending their World Cup legacies to Mbappe becoming France's all-time leading scorer, Sport takes a look at a list of the major records already broken or set to be. Messi to set new World Cup goals record? Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Lionel Messi won the Golden Ball for the best player at the 2022 World CupSince 2014, Germany striker Miroslav Klose stood on his own with 16 World Cup goals.

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But Messi's stunning hat-trick in Argentina's opening 3-0 win over Algeria moved the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner level at the top of the all-time standings and poised to move out in front on his own. Messi required 27 games - three more than Klose - to hit 16 but the 2022 World Cup winner will not mind. Lurking close behind with 14 is France captain Mbappe, who is now the all-time leading scorer for France with 58, and could well have the goals record in his sights himself.

Kane is four further back - but surely it is too far for him this tournament? Next up for Messi and Co. in Group J are Austria.

Are we about to witness a new record? Kane set to break Lineker's England recordImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Harry Kane has scored 81 goals in 115 games for EnglandAfter watching Messi, Haaland and Mbappe all hit the back of the net, Kane reminded the footballing world what he could do in England's 4-2 win over Croatia on Wednesday. The Three Lions skipper netted twice in Dallas to move England top of Group L and draw level with Gary Lineker as their all-time leading scorer at World Cup finals on 10 goals.

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With Ghana to come on Tuesday night, Kane might not be level with Lineker for long. Wednesday's game also meant Kane became just the second England player - after Sir David Beckham in 1998, 2002 and 2006 - to score at three different World Cups. The Croatia match also marked Kane's 115th England appearance, moving him level with Beckham among the country's most-capped players.

A first multiple Golden Boot winner? Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Kylian Mbappe won the World Cup with France in 2018Sticking with Mbappe, is he going to become the first player to win multiple World Cup Golden Boots or will it be England skipper Kane? Mbappe struck eight times to win the Golden Boot in Qatar in 2022 but faces fierce competition to retain the accolade.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.