Something extraordinary began on 18 December 2022, when Argentina defeated France in one of the greatest FIFA World Cup finals ever played. While Argentina celebrated their third World Cup title, football fans around the globe witnessed the beginning of a new chapter in the remarkable rivalry between Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe.
Four years later at the FIFA World Cup 2026, both superstars continue to rewrite football history and climb the tournament’s all-time scoring charts.
The Night That Changed World Cup History
Before the dramatic final in Lusail, Lionel Messi had scored 11 World Cup goals and was tied for eighth place on the tournament’s all-time scoring list. Kylian Mbappe was still outside the top ten.
Everything changed during that unforgettable final.
Key Moments from the 2022 Final
• Messi scored twice for Argentina.
• Mbappe produced a sensational hat-trick for France.
• Argentina won the World Cup on penalties.
• The match became one of the most memorable finals in football history.
The performance elevated both players into a new level of football greatness and set the stage for their ongoing battle for records.
Messi Becomes World Cup’s All-Time Leading Goalscorer
At the FIFA World Cup 2026, Messi has continued his incredible form. After scoring a hat-trick against Algeria and a brace against Austria, the Argentina captain surpassed Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 goals.
The 38-year-old now stands alone as the highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history with 18 goals.
Despite the historic achievement, Messi remained focused on team success rather than individual accolades.
Speaking after Argentina’s victory over Austria, the legendary forward said he was simply enjoying the moment with his teammates and concentrating on how far Argentina can progress in the tournament.
Messi’s World Cup 2026 Achievements
• Hat-trick against Algeria.
• Brace against Austria.
• Reached 18 World Cup goals.
• Became the tournament’s all-time leading scorer.
Mbappe Refuses to Fall Behind
While Messi has been making history, Kylian Mbappe has ensured the race remains alive.
The French captain has scored back-to-back braces in victories over Senegal and Iraq, taking his World Cup tally to 16 goals and drawing level with former record-holder Miroslav Klose.
Remarkably, Mbappe has achieved the feat while playing in fewer World Cup editions than the German legend.
Mbappe’s Tournament Highlights
• Two goals against Senegal.
• Two goals against Iraq.
• Reached 16 World Cup goals.
• One goal behind Messi in the Golden Boot race.
Mbappe acknowledged Messi’s achievement while expressing his admiration for his former Paris Saint-Germain teammate.
He stated that Messi always scores goals and described the Argentine as one of the greatest players in football history, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.
A Rivalry Built on Respect
Unlike many sporting rivalries, the relationship between Messi and Mbappe is built on mutual admiration and respect.
The two shared the dressing room at Paris Saint-Germain and have consistently praised each other’s achievements both on and off the pitch.
While Messi continues to break records, Mbappe remains determined to chase them, creating one of the most fascinating storylines of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Could Another Final Await?
Football fans could yet witness another chapter in this remarkable rivalry.
If Argentina and France continue their winning runs and reach the final in New York New Jersey on July 19, Messi and Mbappe could have up to six more matches to add to their incredible goal totals.
The Current World Cup Goal Race
• Lionel Messi – 18 goals.
• Kylian Mbappe – 16 goals.
• Miroslav Klose – 16 goals.
With records continuing to fall and both stars performing at their peak, the battle between Messi and Mbappe remains one of the defining stories of the FIFA World Cup 2026. For football supporters around the world, the race for greatness is far from over.