Mbappe Breaks World Cup Scoring Record with 22nd Goal as England Beats France 6-4

Q: Mbappé claimed the scoring crown, but can Messi achieve the ultimate prize: a second consecutive World Cup title?

Yes — Messi can still secure the bigger prize, but Argentina face a formidable test against Spain in Sunday’s final. Argentina are one win away from back-to-back World Cup titles after lifting the trophy in Qatar in 2022. If they beat Spain at MetLife Stadium, they would become the first nation in 64 years to retain the men’s World Cup and only the third ever to do so, after Italy and Brazil. Messi, now 39, would also add a second World Cup crown and strengthen an already unmatched international résumé. The case for Argentina starts with Messi’s influence. He has eight goals and four assists in this tournament, more goal contributions than any other player, and he has repeatedly delivered in decisive moments. Argentina have also shown resilience throughout the knockout rounds, scoring 12 of their 19 goals after the 75th minute and extending a long winning run in major tournaments. But Mbappé’s record does not change the scale of the challenge awaiting Messi. Spain arrive as European champions, unbeaten in 37 matches since March 2024, and have conceded only once in this World Cup. Their control-heavy, high-tempo style has made them the tournament’s most complete side, and forecasting models have slightly favored Spain. So Messi has not matched Mbappé’s new scoring mark yet, but the ultimate prize remains within reach. If Argentina beat Spain, Messi will have achieved what matters most: another World Cup title, and a historic second in a row.

3 articles · Updated · Al Jazeera English · Jul 19

Kylian Mbappe struck twice against England, taking his World Cup total to 22 and moving past Lionel Messi for the all-time scoring record.
The record fell in the 66th minute after Mbappe had already scored once in the 48th, helping France rally from a 4-0 halftime deficit in Miami.
England still secured third place with a 6-4 win, powered by Bukayo Saka's hat-trick and Jude Bellingham's seventh tournament goal.
Mbappe's second goal also lifted him to 10 in the 2026 tournament, putting him in pole position to retain the Golden Boot.
Lionel Messi, on 21 career World Cup goals, gets one last chance to answer in Sunday's final against Spain.