Messi has surpassed Germany's Miroslav Klose to stand alone as the greatest goal scorer in men's World Cup history Once known on the international level for not being able to deliver on the biggest of stages for his country, Lionel Messi has further etched his name into immortality on Monday, netting his 17th World Cup goal against Austria to surpass Germany legend Miroslav Klose and stand alone as the greatest scorer in men's World Cup history.