Kylian Mbappé Passes Lionel Messi's World Cup Goal-Scoring Record
Kylian Mbappé has made World Cup history by surpassing Lionel Messi's career goal-scoring record. Here's what the milestone means for football and Mbappé's legacy.
Kylian Mbappé Makes World Cup History
French superstar Kylian Mbappé has reached another incredible milestone by becoming the all-time leading goal scorer in FIFA World Cup history. During France's dramatic 6-4 defeat to England in the 2026 FIFA World Cup third-place playoff, Mbappé scored twice to take his World Cup tally to 22 goals, moving ahead of Lionel Messi's previous record of 21.
Although France fell short of securing third place, Mbappé's individual achievement has become one of the defining moments of the tournament.
A Record-Breaking Career
At just 27 years old, Mbappé has built an extraordinary World Cup résumé across three tournaments.
His World Cup goals include:
- 2018 FIFA World Cup: 4 goals (France won the title)
- 2022 FIFA World Cup: 8 goals (Golden Boot winner)
- 2026 FIFA World Cup: 10 goals
His remarkable consistency on football's biggest stage has firmly established him among the greatest players in World Cup history.
Surpassing Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi's World Cup legacy remains one of the greatest in football history, highlighted by Argentina's 2022 World Cup triumph and numerous unforgettable performances.
However, Mbappé's latest achievement demonstrates how quickly football records can evolve. Passing a player widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time is a significant milestone that further strengthens Mbappé's own legacy.
What's Next?
With several years of international football still ahead of him, Mbappé now has the opportunity to extend his World Cup scoring record even further. If he remains fit and continues representing France, his tally could become one of the toughest records in football to break.
Final Thoughts
While France's 2026 World Cup campaign ended in disappointment, Kylian Mbappé leaves the tournament with a historic accomplishment. Becoming the World Cup's all-time leading scorer is a testament to his consistency, talent, and ability to perform under the biggest spotlight in football.
As fans look ahead to future tournaments, one question remains: How many more World Cup goals can Kylian Mbappé score before his international career comes to an end?