Mbappé becomes greatest scorer in World Cup history, crushes Messi’s record

Kylian Mbappé has become the most prolific scorer in World Cup history after two goals in France’s chaotic 6–4 defeat by England took him past Lionel Messi’s record.

The France captain struck in the 48th minute with his side 4–0 down, then beat Dean Henderson again in the 66th to make it 4–3. That second finish was Mbappé’s 22nd goal in 22 World Cup appearances, one more than Messi.

Mbappé ends his third tournament with 10 goals, two clear of Messi in the 2026 Golden Boot race. If the Frenchman remains ahead after Argentina face Spain in Sunday’s final, he will become the first player to win the award twice.

England still took the bronze medal as Bukayo Saka completed a hat-trick and Jude Bellingham sealed the highest-scoring World Cup match since 1982.

Messi can yet redraw the record tonight: one final goal would level Mbappé, while two would put the Argentine back on top.

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