‘Leo scores all the time’: Kylian Mbappe predicts Lionel Messi will regain World Cup record

Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi (Photo: AP) France captain Kylian Mbappe believes Lionel Messi will soon take back the all-time World Cup scoring record. Mbappe moved to the top of the list after scoring twice in France’s 6-4 loss to England in the third-place play-off on Saturday. His two goals took his World Cup tally to 22 from 22 games, one more than Messi’s 21. But with Argentina facing Spain in Sunday’s World Cup final, Mbappe is confident the Argentina legend will respond.“Leo, he always scores. He will score tomorrow, for sure,” Mbappe told Fox Sports after the match. Both Messi and Mbappe began the 2026 World Cup in pursuit of former Germany striker Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 World Cup goals. Messi broke that mark during Argentina’s run to the final, reaching 21 goals, only to be surpassed by Mbappe with his brace against England.The French forward was in excellent form throughout the tournament, scoring 10 goals in eight games. The 12 goals he scored at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups now take his career total to 22. He is also leading the race for the Golden Boot, having sat two goals ahead of Messi before the final.

Team success was more important than records

Despite achieving another personal milestone, Mbappe said the achievement meant little after France failed to finish in the top three.“Every time I just try to help my team. For sure, when you score so many goals in the World Cup, it raises you to a certain level. But I would rather not be the top scorer in history and play the game tomorrow,” he said.After the French campaign, Mbappe will now be watching Monday’s final closely. If Messi scores against Spain, as Mbappe expects, the Argentina captain will once again become the all-time World Cup goalscorer.