FIFA World Cup 2026: Mbappe overtakes Messi to become WC's all-time leading goal-scorer
Miami, July 19
France captain Kylian Mbappe created history by overtaking Lionel Messi to become the highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history. The French star scored twice in the second half, with his second goal coming while 24 minutes remained, during France's 2026 World Cup third-place playoff against England in Miami on Saturday.
The brace took Mbappe's World Cup tally to 22 goals in 22 matches, moving him one clear of Messi's 21 in 33 matches.
After going into the break 4-0 down, France struck just three minutes into the second half. Dayot Upamecano played a perfectly weighted pass into the penalty area, where Kylian Mbappe kept his composure and slotted the ball into the bottom-right corner in the 48th minute, going level with Messi's 21-goal tally.
Mbappe's second goal came in the 66th minute after Bradley Barcola's 54th-minute goal and sparked France's comeback, cutting England's lead to 4-3 and making him the all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history.
The move was brilliantly crafted, with Michael Olise producing a deft flick into Mbappe's path before the French captain controlled the ball and fired a left-footed finish past Dean Henderson.
Before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Miroslav Klose was the tournament's all-time leading scorer. However, Messi surpassed the German legend after scoring his first-ever World Cup hat-trick in Argentina's opening match against Algeria. Messi then added a brace against Austria, followed by goals in the group-stage win over Jordan, the Round of 32 victory over Cabo Verde and the Round of 16 triumph against Egypt.
Mbappe began the 2026 FIFA World Cup with 12 career World Cup goals and had scored eight goals in the tournament before the third-place playoff against England. His brace in the match took his tally to 10 goals in the ongoing edition, putting him at the top of the Golden Boot standings, ahead of Lionel Messi, who is second with eight goals.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is incredible but sad at the same time. Messi's journey was magical and that hat-trick against Algeria was unforgettable. Now Mbappe takes the crown. We need to appreciate greatness when we see it. Both are legends!
Imagine the talent in this generation. From watching Klose's record stand for years to Messi breaking it and now Mbappe surpassing him already. Football evolves so fast. France's fightback showed real character even in a third-place playoff. Chapeau Mbappe! 🇫🇷
Yes, Mbappe is phenomenal but let's not forget how dominant Messi was this tournament. Eight goals at his age shows he's still world-class. The real story here should be Argentina's journey to the final! But ab record toot gaya hai, congratulations to Mbappe.
The third-place playoff was more exciting than the final could be! That 66th minute goal from Mbappe was pure class - the control and finish was perfect. France almost pulled off an impossible comeback. Ye ladka abhi aur records tod dega!
Honestly, FIFA should stop expanding the tournament. More matches means more opportunities to score goals. That said, Mbappe's ability is undeniable. From hat-trick in the 2022 final to now this, he's rewriting history. Just wish India could play on this stage someday... 🇮🇳
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