Mbappé eclipses Messi to become World Cup’s all‑time scoring leader

Kylian Mbappé scored twice against England in the World Cup third‑place match on Saturday, raising his career total to 22 World Cup goals and moving clear of Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race. The brace, both coming in the second half, gave the France captain the most goals ever recorded in the tournament. The second‑half brace brought Mbappé to 22 career World Cup goals, the highest total in FIFA World Cup history. With that tally he becomes the all‑time FIFA World Cup leader in goals scored, overtaking Messi’s previous mark. France mounted another attack in the second half, and Mbappé found space in the box before clinically finishing for his second of the afternoon. The forward’s goal was a precise finish that cemented his lead in the race. Trailing 4‑0 at halftime, France responded just three minutes after the break when Dayot Upamecano threaded a pinpoint pass into the box, allowing Mbappé to tuck his shot into the bottom‑right corner in the 48th minute. That early strike set the tone for the comeback.

Mbappé eclipses Messi as World Cup all‑time scorer amid France comeback

Mbappé’s ninth goal of the 2026 World Cup put him on top of the Golden Boot race, level with Messi at 21 all‑time World Cup goals at that moment. He later added a tenth tournament goal, bringing his overall World Cup tally to 22. He previously scored four times in 2018 and eight times in 2022, and this World Cup he has found the net in six of France’s eight matches, contributing at least one goal or assist in seven games. His consistency has been a hallmark of France’s campaign.

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Before the 2026 tournament, Miroslav Klose held the all‑time record with 16 goals. Lionel Messi moved ahead of Klose during the group stage with a pair of goals, reaching 17. Mbappé broke the tie with Klose when he scored his 17th goal in a 3‑0 win over Sweden in the Round of 32. Messi will have a chance to reclaim the top spot when Argentina faces Spain in the final on Sunday, but Mbappé’s record‑breaking achievement sets a new benchmark for future World Cups.