2026 World Cup: Kylian Mbappé watches Lionel Messi continue his legend in the final

Despite a dazzling performance with two goals in France's spectacular 4-6 defeat to England in the 2026 World Cup third-place match, Kylian Mbappé wasn't really in the mood to celebrate his individual achievements. Scoring twice, the French striker further cemented his place in football history.

With 22 World Cup goals, the French captain has become the competition's all-time leading scorer. He surpasses Lionel Messi, who scored 21 goals on the world stage. A prestigious record, even if Mbappé is convinced it might be short-lived.

Interviewed after the match, the 27-year-old player did not hide his admiration for the Argentine star, who will play in the final against Spain.

"Leo Messi scores all the time. I'm sure he'll find the back of the net again tomorrow. I'm simply looking to help my team win and score when the opportunity arises."

Mbappé also acknowledged that this record represents a great source of pride, while stressing that personal accolades do not compensate for the disappointment of not playing in the final.

“Scoring so many goals in the World Cup allows you to enter another dimension. It’s important for the legacy I’ll leave when my career is over. But, today, I would have preferred not to be the all-time top scorer and to play in the final. That’s what matters most to me.”

Even if France leaves with third place, Mbappé continues to rack up records. The question now is whether Lionel Messi will manage, as the Frenchman imagines, to close the gap in the final and write a new chapter in his incredible career.