Mbappe overtakes Messi to top overall World Cup scoring chart
Miami, July 19
France's Kylian Mbappe broke Lionel Messi's all-time World Cup scoring record of 21 in the third-place play-off, though Les Bleus lost 6-4 to England.
Both Mbappe and Messi began World Cup 2026 adrift of former leader Miroslav Klose. Mbappe now has 22 World Cup goals in as many matches, scoring twice to move ahead of Messi and extend his lead in the Golden Boot race to 10 goals at this tournament, two ahead of Messi.
Prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026, Klose led the overall scoring charts, but he has now seen his previous mark of 16 obliterated not once, but twice, by Mbappe and Messi during the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the USA.
First of all, Messi moved level with the German after a hat-trick - his first in the World Cup - in Argentina's opening game against Algeria. The Argentina legend then became the outright leader with a brace in the win over Austria before further goals in their final group game with Jordan, the epic Round of 32 encounter against Cabo Verde and the enthralling Round of 16 win over Egypt.
But it is Mbappe who now tops the list, having continued his astonishing exploits at the global showpiece with ten more goals to add to the 12 he scored across Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022.
The France forward hit a trio of braces against Senegal, Iraq and Sweden, followed by a penalty against Paraguay, the opener against Morocco and then two more in the bronze final with England giving him an almost-incomprehensible 22 goals from a mere 22 games.
Moreover, the French captain has returned to the front of the pack in the Golden Boot standings after finding the net twice in the FIFA World Cup 2026 bronze final defeat by England.
Mbappe has hit 10 goals in eight outings in North America. The only men with more in a World Cup are Sandor Kocsis with 11 for Hungary in 1954 and Just Fontaine with 13 for France in 1958.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Honestly, as an Indian football fan who grew up watching Messi and Ronaldo, it's surreal to see Mbappe surpass Leo. But let's not forget Messi's brilliance—he broke Klose's record too! It's like watching a torch being passed. Both are legends in their own right. ❤️⚽
Mbappe is a phenomenon, no doubt. But I feel a bit sad for Messi—he came so close to the record and then Mbappe just snatched it away. The World Cup 2026 must have been bittersweet for him. Still, records are meant to be broken. Let's see if anyone can beat 22 goals!
Incredible stat! But I wonder, with the World Cup expanding to 48 teams from 2026 onwards, won't these records become cheap? More games mean more goals. Mbappe's 22 in 22 is still impressive, but context matters. Still, great to watch him play.
Mbappe is a beast! But I'm more amazed by how Messi played at 38—still scoring and breaking records. The Argentina vs Algeria hat-trick was vintage Messi. Too bad they lost early in the tournament. Next time, maybe! 🇦🇷💙
Brilliant achievement, but let's be honest—Mbappe is playing against weaker teams in group stages nowadays. Senegal, Iraq, Paraguay? Compare that to the defenses Pele faced. Still, 22 goals is remarkable, but I think Messi's 21 came in tougher matches. Just my opinion.🤷♂️