Kylian Mbappé Goals Reach 22 to Break Lionel Messi’s All-Time World Cup Record

Kylian Mbappé scored his 21st and 22nd career tournament goals against England to leapfrog Lionel Messi on the all-time scoring chart.

Kylian Mbappé goals have reached a historic milestone as the Real Madrid forward netted his 21st and 22nd career World Cup strikes during France’s third-place playoff against England on Saturday. Despite trailing 4-0 at the conclusion of the first 45 minutes, the 27-year-old captain sparked a comeback with a first-time finish in the 48th minute. Bradley Barcola subsequently reduced the deficit to two goals before Mbappé found the net again in the 66th minute to surpass Lionel Messi on the all-time scoring list.

This brace provides the French striker with a statistical advantage in the current Golden Boot race, where he leads with 10 goals in North America compared to the eight scored by the Argentine captain. Mbappé’s journey in this competition began in 2018, a tournament where he secured the Young Player of the Tournament award and contributed four goals toward France’s trophy win. Four years later, he recorded a hat trick in the final, though his side ultimately fell to Argentina.

Lionel Messi’s Path to 21 Career Goals

Lionel Messi currently sits on 21 goals after a prolific run that saw him overtake the previous record holder, Miroslav Klose. The 39-year-old, participating in his sixth World Cup, moved past Klose’s mark by scoring twice against Austria. His tally in the current tournament was bolstered by a hat trick in Argentina’s opening match. Further goals were added against Jordan, Cape Verde, and Egypt as he sought to cement his legacy.

Historically, the veteran forward struggled to replicate his Barcelona scoring rate on the international stage during his early years. However, he eventually found his rhythm, leading Argentina to a title in Qatar four years ago. That victory followed a decade of pursuit, including a 2014 final appearance where his team suffered a defeat against Germany.

The Golden Boot Race in North America

The statistical battle between the two superstars remains the focal point of the tournament's scoring honors. With 10 goals in the North American edition, Mbappé holds a two-goal lead over his rival. This current form continues the momentum from his previous final appearance, where he became one of the few players to score three times in a single championship match.

France’s recent performance against England showcased the captain's efficiency, as his 48th-minute strike and 66th-minute second goal were the catalysts for the Les Bleus recovery. While the first half ended in a 4-0 nightmare for the French squad, the second half was defined by the clinical finishing of their leading attacker and the supporting effort from Bradley Barcola.

Sunday’s Final and the Scoring Record

The record-breaking achievement by Mbappé may be short-lived depending on the outcome of Sunday’s final. Lionel Messi is scheduled to lead Argentina against Spain in the tournament's concluding match, providing the veteran with a direct opportunity to reclaim the top spot on the all-time chart. Having already scored twice against Austria and three times in the opener, the Argentine remains a threat to the 22-goal mark established by the Real Madrid forward on Saturday.

As it stands, the 27-year-old Frenchman occupies the top position, having leapfrogged the man who inspired Argentina to glory four years prior. The race for the Golden Boot and the all-time scoring title will be decided by whether the 39-year-old can bridge the gap in his final appearance of the competition. France’s third-place playoff served as the stage for Mbappé to rewrite the history books, but the final match in Spain's path offers a final chapter for the record books.