Kylian Mbappe has become the FIFA World Cup’s all-time leading goalscorer after scoring twice in France’s 6-4 defeat to England in the third-place playoff, surpassing Lionel Messi’s career tally in the competition. The landmark achievement came on Saturday in Miami Gardens, Florida, although it was overshadowed by France’s failure to secure a podium finish in Didier Deschamps’ final match as head coach of Les Bleus.
Mbappe’s brace took his overall World Cup total to 22 goals, moving him ahead of Messi on the competition’s all-time scoring list and further cementing his place among football’s greatest tournament performers. France found themselves four goals behind at halftime after England dominated the opening period.
The French side mounted an impressive second-half comeback, beginning with Mbappe’s first-time finish just three minutes after the restart. Bradley Barcola added another goal to reduce the deficit before the Real Madrid forward struck again in the 66th minute, giving France renewed hope of an unlikely recovery.
France eventually scored a fourth goal, but England maintained control through Bukayo Saka, who completed a hat-trick, while Jude Bellingham added another late goal to seal a thrilling 6-4 victory and secure third place. Despite rewriting the World Cup record books, Mbappe admitted the personal accomplishment offered little comfort after France missed the opportunity to compete in the tournament’s final.
Speaking after the match, the French captain said he would have gladly sacrificed the individual record for a place in Sunday’s championship game. Mbappe also praised Lionel Messi, expressing confidence that the Argentine captain would continue adding to his remarkable World Cup legacy.
The record, however, may yet change hands again. Messi, now 39 years old and appearing in his sixth FIFA World Cup, will have the chance to reclaim the all-time scoring crown when Argentina face Spain in Sunday’s final.
The Argentine legend had earlier surpassed former record holder Miroslav Klose during the tournament after producing a series of prolific performances, including a hat-trick in Argentina’s opening game and additional goals against Austria, Jordan, Cape Verde and Egypt.
Mbappe’s two-goal display against England also strengthened his position in the race for the tournament’s Golden Boot. The 27-year-old now leads the scoring standings with 10 goals at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while Messi enters the final with eight goals and an opportunity to close the gap in both the Golden Boot race and the all-time World Cup scoring chart.
