Kylian Mbappé Surpasses Lionel Messi, Becomes All-Time World Cup Top Scorer

• Kylian Mbappe has overtaken Lionel Messi as the FIFA World Cup’s all-time top scorer after scoring twice against England, while also moving ahead in the race for the 2026 Golden Boot.

France captain Kylian Mbappe has become the FIFA World Cup’s all-time leading goalscorer after scoring twice in France’s dramatic 6-4 defeat to England in Saturday’s third-place playoff.

The Real Madrid forward netted his 21st and 22nd World Cup goals, surpassing Lionel Messi’s previous record and writing another chapter in his remarkable international career.

France found themselves 4-0 down at halftime after a dominant first-half display from England. However, Mbappe sparked a spirited comeback by scoring just three minutes into the second half before Bradley Barcola added another to reduce the deficit.

Mbappe struck again in the 66th minute, moving clear of Messi on the all-time scoring chart and keeping France’s hopes alive, although England eventually secured a thrilling 6-4 victory.

The brace also strengthened Mbappe’s position in the race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot. The French star now leads the scoring charts with 10 goals, while Messi sits second with eight ahead of Argentina’s World Cup final against Spain.

Mbappe first announced himself on the global stage at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where he scored four goals, won the Young Player of the Tournament award, and helped France lift the trophy.

He followed that with a memorable hat-trick in the 2022 World Cup final against Argentina, although France lost on penalties as Messi finally achieved his lifelong dream of winning the World Cup.

Now 27, Mbappe has added another historic milestone to his career by becoming the competition’s most prolific goalscorer. However, the record may not stand for long, as 39-year-old Messi still has an opportunity to reclaim the top spot when Argentina face Spain in Sunday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup final.