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On July 18, 2026, Kylian Mbappé created World Cup history, but he found little solace in the accomplishment. Just one day before the Spain vs. Argentina final, the French superstar surpassed Lionel Messi to become the best goal scorer in the tournament’s history. However, he did clarify that individual achievements are insignificant when compared to missing out on the ultimate collective goal.
Mbappé scored twice in a wild 6-4 third-place loss to England. He overtook Messi as the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history with 22 goals. He scored the record-breaking goal in the 66th minute after he was spotted grinning at France’s first-half collapse. He stunned England goalkeeper Dean Henderson with a left-footed strike from about 14 yards, surpassing Messi’s previous record of 21.
It capped a great individual campaign for Mbappé, who finished with 10 goals, two ahead of Messi in the Golden Boot race. He ultimately won the title for the second time as he retained his lead over Messi after the final on July 19, 2026.
Only Just Fontaine’s 13 goals in 1958 and Sándor Kocsis’ 11 in 1954 surpass the French star’s tournament total in a single edition. Nonetheless, Mbappé said later that he would have gladly given up the record for a different tournament outcome. Speaking to FOX Sports in French, he said, “The World Cup, it elevates you to certain levels… I would have preferred not to be the top scorer in history and play the match tomorrow. Today, that’s not the first thing on my mind.”
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Ezri Konsa, Declan Rice, and two goals from Bukayo Saka propelled England’s dominant first half on Saturday, leaving France down 4-0 at halftime. Mbappé launched an incredible comeback in the second half, cutting the lead three minutes after the break. Bradley Barcola and another Mbappé goal then took France within one at 4-3.
Yet Ousmane Dembélé pulled France back to within one goal deep into extra time. Jude Bellingham sealed England’s triumph moments later, capping the highest-scoring World Cup match since 1982. Saka completed his hat trick from the penalty spot to increase the score to 5-3.
Mbappé was upfront about France’s slow start while discussing the remarkable turnaround between halves. He said, “There were two very different halves. During the first one, I can understand why some people think we made fools of ourselves and didn’t do the jersey justice. I’d say instead that we were human—and we can’t afford to be. We were completely stunned, and they really shook us awake.”
Furthermore, before the third-place game, both teams professed a lack of interest in the match. They claimed the game made no sense because the World Cup should be about winning or placing second.
Beyond his personal annoyance, Mbappé openly questioned the fixture’s existence using the post-match forum. According to The Sports Tak, he said, “I don’t think the World Cup third-place match makes any sense… For me, the World Cup should be about winning it or finishing as runners-up. Third place has no real outcome.”
Before the match, France teammate Ibrahima Konaté stated that none of the players wanted to participate. “Not one of us wanted to play this game for third place, but we don’t have the (sic) choice to play, you know?” he told the reporters.
Didier Deschamps’ 14-year tenure as France’s manager came to an end with the Saturday match. Mbappé expressed regret that the team was unable to offer its longtime manager a triumphant farewell.
“In the end, we didn’t win, and that’s a shame for the coach. The first half gives the impression that we let him down – that’s not at all how we wanted him to feel. This match isn’t going to tarnish Didier Deschamps’ legacy,” Mbappé noted.
