Kylian Mbappé surpassed Lionel Messi on the all-time World Cup goal-scoring list by netting his 21st and 22nd goals during France‘s exciting 6-4 defeat to England in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Saturday.
France faced a challenging first half, trailing by 4-0 after 45 minutes. However, Mbappé sparked a comeback with a goal in the 48th minute, and Bradley Barcola reduced the deficit further before Mbappé struck again in the 66th minute.
Despite France scoring a fourth goal, England’s Bukayo Saka completed his hat trick, ensuring England maintained their lead, while Jude Bellingham added a sixth for England in what turned out to be an instant classic.
Now 39 years old and competing in his sixth World Cup, Messi has an opportunity to reclaim the record when he leads Argentina against Spain in Sunday’s final.
“Leo scores all the time. Tomorrow he will score for sure,” Mbappé stated to Fox Sports post-match. “I just aim to assist my team whenever I can. It’s true that scoring numerous goals in the World Cup elevates your status, but that’s not my main focus right now.”
“I would have preferred to play in the match tomorrow rather than being the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history.”
Messi set the record by scoring a hat trick in Argentina’s first match of the tournament and later netted twice against Austria, among others. However, Mbappé’s recent goals have put him ahead.
At 27, Mbappé’s two goals in this tournament have also placed him in the lead for the Golden Boot, with 10 goals compared to Messi’s eight.
Mbappé first showcased his talent on the World Cup stage in 2018, winning the Young Player of the Tournament award and scoring four goals to help France secure their second title.
He found the net three times in the 2022 final but was unable to prevent Messi from guiding Argentina to victory.
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Despite early struggles to replicate his club success internationally, Messi has excelled on the World Cup stage, ultimately fulfilling his destiny by lifting the trophy in Qatar four years ago, eight years after falling short in the final against Germany in 2014.