Kylian Mbappe scored two goals and provided an assist in France's 6-4 loss to England in the third-place match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, intensifying the race for the Golden Boot against Lionel Messi. According to TV9 Bangla, this performance brings Mbappe's tournament tally to 10 goals and 4 assists, putting him well ahead of Messi.

The match, held in the United States, saw England surge to a 4-0 lead by halftime, thanks in part to Bukayo Saka's hat-trick. Although France mounted a strong comeback in the second half, they ultimately fell short and finished fourth. Despite the defeat, Mbappe's individual brilliance shone through as he set a new World Cup scoring record.

Mbappe has now scored 22 goals in 22 World Cup matches, surpassing Messi's 21 goals in total World Cup appearances. This milestone places additional pressure on Messi, who faces Argentina's final against Spain. To claim the Golden Boot, Messi must either score a hat-trick in the final or score two goals and provide an assist to tie with Mbappe on goals but surpass him on assists.

Should Messi fail to score in the final, Mbappe will solidify his record as the highest World Cup goal scorer, further cementing his status as football's reigning superstar. Meanwhile, Messi has the chance to match or surpass this historic tally with a goal in the final.

Why this matters

The World Cup Golden Boot race highlights the ongoing rivalry between two of football's greatest stars, Mbappe and Messi, symbolizing a generational shift in the sport. Their performances not only impact individual legacies but also energize fan engagement worldwide, underscoring the global significance of the World Cup.

With the final looming, the football world is captivated by this duel, which adds an extra layer of drama to the tournament's climax.

As the 2026 World Cup concludes, Mbappe's record-breaking feats and Messi's pursuit of glory continue to define this era of football excellence.