Messi and Ronaldo’s records in the sights of Mbappe, Haaland, Kane and Yamal

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s international careers have ended, closing an extraordinary era that dominated world football for more than two decades. Now, according to Spanish newspaper AS, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane and Lamine Yamal are the leading candidates to challenge parts of the legacy left by the Argentina and Portugal greats.

Ronaldo finished with 234 appearances and 146 goals for Portugal, making him the most-capped and highest-scoring player in international football. He won Euro 2016 and the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.

Messi ended his Argentina career with 208 caps and 126 goals. He led his country to the 2022 World Cup and won the Copa America in 2021 and 2024.

Despite their long rivalry, Messi and Ronaldo met only twice while representing their countries, with both matches being friendlies. Argentina won the first 2-1 in Geneva in 2011, with both players scoring. Portugal won the second 1-0 in Manchester in 2014, when neither found the net.

Haaland leading Norway’s revival

Erling Haaland, 26, is among the strongest contenders to pursue the pair’s goalscoring records. The Manchester City striker has scored 65 goals in 59 internationals, averaging more than one goal per game.

His impact has extended beyond individual milestones. Haaland helped Norway qualify for the World Cup for the first time in 28 years and has played a central role in restoring the country’s status among the teams capable of challenging the leading nations.

He has also surpassed Jørgen Juve’s previous Norway record of 33 goals. Haaland is now his country’s all-time leading scorer, with a rate of approximately one goal every 71 minutes.

Mbappe’s record-breaking international career

Kylian Mbappe has scored 67 goals in 107 appearances for France and provided 40 assists. The Real Madrid forward overtook Olivier Giroud’s previous national record of 57 goals to become France’s leading scorer.

His ambitions go beyond international goals. Mbappe has scored 22 times across three World Cup tournaments, making him the competition’s all-time leading scorer, and he won the trophy with France in 2018.

At 27, France’s captain has time to add to those figures and continue his pursuit of Messi and Ronaldo’s achievements.

Kane and Yamal offer contrasting possibilities

Harry Kane, despite being 33, remains a significant candidate. The England captain has scored 91 goals in 125 internationals, putting him well clear of Wayne Rooney’s 53 and making him the Three Lions’ record scorer. The Bayern Munich striker has also supplied 23 assists, although he has yet to win a major trophy with England.

Lamine Yamal represents the long-term prospect. The Barcelona forward made his Spain debut at 16 and has since collected 36 caps, scoring 11 goals and providing 13 assists. He has already won the European Championship with Spain and was influential in the Euro 2024 semi-final against France, scoring a superb goal in a victory that took Spain into the final.

The four players have impressive numbers, but matching Messi and Ronaldo will require more than goals and records. Their unprecedented legacy was built on remaining at the summit for over 20 years while competing at the highest level for club and country.