Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi (AP Photo)
Kylian Mbappe underscored why he remains one of football’s biggest match-winners, scoring twice in France’s easy 3-0 win over Sweden in the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup to move level with Lionel Messi at the top of the tournament’s Golden Boot standings.The France captain now has six goals in the tournament, equaling Argentine superstar Messi’s tally, while also cementing his impressive World Cup legacy. Mbappe’s brace at MetLife Stadium took his World Cup total to 18 goals in just 18 appearances, leaving him just one goal short of Messi’s all-time record of 19 goals.France’s dominant win also set up a last-16 clash against surprise Paraguay, as Didier Deschamps’ side continued their march towards a third successive World Cup final.
The battle for the Golden Shoe is heating up
As the knockout rounds gather pace, the Golden Boot race has become one of the biggest talking points of the tournament.Top five scorers:
- Kylian Mbappé (France) – 6 goals
- Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 6 goals
Erling Haaland (Norway) – 5 goalsOusmane Dembélé (France) – 4 goalsVinicius Junior (Brazil) – 4 goals
Mbappé’s latest brace also saw him become the all-time top scorer in World Cup knockout history with 10 goals, surpassing Brazilian legends Ronaldo and Leonidas.Despite rising alongside Messi in the scoring charts, the France captain insisted that individual achievements remain secondary to lifting the trophy.
“I think the goal, as I said, is to go as far as possible, to reach July 19 and come back here,” Mbappe said. “We are trying to win, and we are progressing step by step. Of course, the more goals you score, the higher you rise in the world rankings.”
“I don’t focus too much on that.”
With the brilliance of their captain, France became the first country in World Cup history to score at least three goals in five consecutive matches.The 27-year-old refused to be compared to Messi in the race for World Cup records.“I’m also convinced that Leo will score more goals, so I’m not focusing too much on that. I’m focusing more on the opponent we might face and how close we are to our goal: the final,” he said.France have now outscored their rivals 13-2 in the tournament, while Mbappe’s sensational form has turned the Golden Boot race into a fascinating duel with Messi as the World Cup enters its decisive phase.
World Cup 2026 top scorers: beyond the top five
- Three goals for each: Deniz Ondav (Germany), Johan Manzambi (Switzerland), Ismaila Sarr (Senegal), Julian Quinones (Mexico), Cody Jacobo (Netherlands), Brian Probery (Netherlands), Mateus Cunha (Brazil), Harry Kane (England), Elia Gast (New Zealand), Yoan Wissa (Cape Verde), Jonathan David (Canada), Ismael Saibari (Morocco), Kai. Havertz (Germany)