Kylian Mbappe breaks Lionel Messi’s all-time World Cup top goalscorer record

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The Independent

18 July 2026

Kylian Mbappe

has broken

Lionel Messi

’s all-time

World Cup

top goalscorer record after striking twice against England in the third place play-off of this year’s tournament.

The

France

No 10 nudged his total up to 22 goals across his career on football’s biggest stage, with 10 goals this summer,

edging past Messi in the battle to win the golden boot.

Mbappe has only required 22 games to match Messi’s historic record, compared to Argentina legend’s 32 appearances, a record in itself, with Mbappe maintaining an astonishing average of 1.00 goal per game.

Starring across 2018, 2022 and 2026 tournaments, including one victory and two final appearances, Mbappe continues to elevate his legacy for his country.

The 27-year-old has captained

in North America after earning elevation to the role under Didier Deschamps in 2023.

He surpassed Olivier Giroud as his nation’s leading scorer during the course of this tournament despite a mixed season with

Real Madrid

, and entering the

under something of an injury cloud.

His record may not remain for long – Messi will have the chance to answer in the final against Spain as the veteran looks to take back the crown and lead Argentina back-to-back World Cups.

But Mbappe is 12 years his junior, and could yet have two or three more tournament cycles in him.

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