Kylian Mbappé breaks Lionel Messi's all-time World Cup scoring record
French forward Kylian Mbappé made history by scoring twice against England to claim the title of the World Cup's all-time leading goalscorer. His new record of 22 career goals elevates him past Lionel Messi in the tournament standings.
Kylian Mbappé etched his name into football history on Saturday, scoring twice in France’s 4-6 defeat to England in the World Cup third-place playoff to surpass Lionel Messi as the tournament’s all-time leading goalscorer. The 27-year-old forward reached 22 career World Cup goals, breaking Messi’s previous record of 21, with both strikes coming in the second half of a match that saw France claw back from a 4-0 deficit.
Mbappé’s first goal in the 48th minute, a composed finish after a pass from Dayot Upamecano, equalled Messi’s record and moved him into a tie for the Golden Boot lead. His second goal, a left-footed strike in the 66th minute, secured his place at the top of the all-time scoring list. The match, played at Miami Gardens’ Hard Rock Stadium, ended in a 6-4 victory for England, but Mbappé’s achievements overshadowed the result. His 10 tournament goals — two more than Messi — also cemented his dominance in the Golden Boot race.
The milestone came after a career-long pursuit of World Cup greatness. Mbappé had previously tied Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 goals in the 2026 tournament, a mark the German striker held across four World Cups. Messi overtook Klose during the group stage with a brace against Austria, but Mbappé reclaimed the lead in the Round of 32 with a goal against Sweden. By the time of the third-place match, Mbappé had 20 career World Cup goals, one behind Messi’s total.
His record-breaking performance was marked by precision and composure. The first goal, a clinical finish into the bottom-right corner, followed a swift counterattack, while the second showcased his ability to capitalize on space. Mbappé’s two goals in the match brought his World Cup tally to 22, achieved in 22 appearances, a stark contrast to Messi’s 21 goals in 31 matches. The French captain also became the first player to score eight goals in back-to-back World Cups, a feat Messi accomplished with seven in 2022 and eight in 2026.
Mbappé’s achievements extend beyond the numbers. He has now scored in six of France’s eight 2026 matches, contributing at least one goal or assist in seven games. His 10 tournament goals include four in 2018, when France won the title, and eight in 2022, when they finished as runners-up. Despite a challenging 2026 campaign, Mbappé’s individual brilliance remains undimmed.
The record’s significance is amplified by the context of Messi’s potential response. Argentina’s captain still has a final against Spain to reclaim the top spot, with a single goal in the match enough to tie Mbappé at 22. However, Mbappé’s youth and consistency suggest the record may stand for years. At 27, he has already surpassed 100 international caps and is poised to dominate the next decade of international football.
The third-place match itself was a dramatic spectacle, with England’s Bukayo Saka scoring a hat-trick and Jude Bellingham delivering a decisive strike in a 10-goal thriller. France’s comeback, though ultimately unsuccessful, highlighted Mbappé’s role as the team’s focal point. His two goals not only secured a historic milestone but also underscored his status as one of the sport’s most prolific tournament performers.
As the 2026 World Cup draws to a close, the debate over its greatest goalscorer remains unresolved. Mbappé’s record-breaking display has redefined the narrative, but Messi’s final appearance on Sunday offers a final chapter to the rivalry. For now, Mbappé’s name is etched in the annals of football history, proof of his relentless pursuit of excellence on the world’s biggest stage.
