Kylian Mbappé made World Cup history as Lionel Messi lost two of his most prized records
France’s Kylian Mbappe (10) celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the World Cup third-place soccer match between France and England in Miami Gardens, Florida, Saturday, July 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) Kylian Mbappé rewrote football history again.The France captain scored twice in a thrilling 6-4 defeat of England in the 2026 World Cup third-place play-off to become the all-time top goalscorer in World Cup history and move to the top of the Golden Boot standings ahead of Sunday’s final between Argentina and Spain.Although France fell behind in a remarkable 10-goal thriller in Miami, Mbappé left the pitch to eclipse Lionel Messi’s long-standing scoring record on football’s biggest stage.His brace took him to 22 career World Cup goals, one more than Messi, who moved into the top spot earlier in the tournament. Mbappé also moved up to 10 goals at the 2026 World Cup as he overtook Messi in the race for the Golden Boot after the Argentina captain ended the semi-final with eight goals.
England survived an extraordinary 10-goal thriller
The play-off for third place produced one of the most entertaining matches in World Cup history.England stormed into a 4-0 half-time lead thanks to goals from Declan Rice in the third minute, Ezri Konsa in the 18th minute and a first-half brace from Bukayo Saka, who struck in the 37th minute and again in first-half stoppage time.As Didier Deschamps prepared for the final game of his 14-year spell as France manager, Les Bleus responded with a dramatic revival after the break.Mbappé sparked a comeback with a clinical finish three minutes into the second half, before Bradley Barcola reduced further in the 54th minute.
France’s Kylian Mbappe (10) scores his first goal past England goalkeeper Dean Henderson (13) during the World Cup third-place playoff soccer match between France and England in Miami Gardens, Florida, Saturday, July 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
The Real Madrid striker then struck again in the 66th minute to make it 4-3, a goal that not only revived France’s hopes but also had huge historical significance as it took him above Messi in the all-time World Cup scoring record.England eventually regained control.Bukayo Saka completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot in the 87th minute before Ousmane Dembélé struck deep into stoppage time to make it 5-4. Jude Bellingham then capped an extraordinary game with a superb solo goal in the 98th minute as England secured a memorable 6-4 victory and third place.
The new king of goals at the World Cup
Mbappé’s second goal of the afternoon completed one of the most remarkable statistical feats in football history.The 27-year-old has now scored 22 goals in just 22 World Cup appearances, maintaining a remarkable average of one goal per game in the 2018, 2022 and 2026 tournaments.In comparison, Messi scored 21 World Cup goals in 31 games before adding another during Argentina’s run to this year’s finals.Mbappé’s World Cup journey has already included the title in 2018, the final in 2022 and now another deep run in 2026. He first burst onto the global stage by winning the Young Player Award in Russia before scoring a hat-trick in the 2022 final against Argentina, although France eventually lost on penalties.
Kylian Mbappé overtakes Lionel Messi’s World Cup goalscoring record to lead the Golden Boot/ Image: AP
He also overtook Olivier Giroud to become France’s all-time top goalscorer during that tournament. His latest brace added another record to an already extraordinary resume.Mbappé has also now become the player with the most non-penalty goals in World Cup history, moving to 19, surpassing Messi’s 17.
The Golden Boot race will swing in Mbappé’s favour
The brace also dramatically changed the race for the tournament’s top scorer.Before kick-off, Messi led the way with two assists in Argentina’s semi-final win over England, giving him eight goals and four assists compared to Mbappé’s eight goals and three assists.Saturday’s performance completely changed the picture.The updated order is:
- Kylian Mbappé (France): 10 goals, 4 assists
- Lionel Messi (Argentina): 8 goals, 4 assists
- Jude Bellingham (England): 7 goals, 1 assist
- Ousmane Dembélé (France): 6 goals, 2 assists
- Harry Kane (England): 6 goals, 1 assist
Mbappé now has a two-goal lead at the top, putting himself firmly on pole position and winning the Golden Boot.
Messi has one last chance
Despite Mbappé’s historic afternoon, the story is far from over.Messi will lead Argentina into Sunday’s World Cup final against Spain at the New York New Jersey Stadium and give the 39-year-old one last chance to respond.Victory would secure Argentina’s second consecutive World Cup title, while Messi could reclaim the tournament record and Golden Boot thanks to his multiple goals.However, both honors still belong to Mbappé.In a tournament already full of remarkable individual performances, the France captain created another historic milestone, becoming the first ever player to score 22 goals at the World Cup in just 22 games and moving one step closer to adding another Golden Boot to his growing collection of individual honours.