Kylian Mbappé passes Lionel Messi's World Cup goal-scoring record

Kylian Mbappé has established a new career World Cup scoring record, surpassing Lionel Messi by reaching 22 goals during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. According to reports from CBS News, Mbappé achieved this milestone during a third-place match. This scoring run allowed him to secure the 2026 Golden Boot, a feat noted by Hypebeast and The New York Times. The achievement was finalized after Lionel Messi failed to score in the World Cup final, as detailed by ESPN. In addition to the scoring record, the BBC reports that Mbappé has become the first player to win the Golden Boot twice, while Rodri was named the tournament's best player.

Coverage across multiple outlets emphasizes the scale of the record and the specific statistics involved. AP News and Al Jazeera both confirm the career total of 22 goals, while espn.in provides broader statistical context, noting that Michael Olise broke Pelé's record with 7 goals and Jude Bellingham set an England record with 7 goals. Yahoo Sports highlighted Mbappé's public support for Messi leading up to the final, reporting that the France superstar believed Messi could still win the Golden Boot and stated that the Argentine always delivers. Sky Sports had previously tracked the race, noting Mbappé was two goals clear of Messi before the final match. This development is significant because it shifts the historical hierarchy of World Cup goal-scoring, moving Mbappé ahead of the widely recognized Argentine GOAT.

The context of the 2026 tournament shows a shift toward a new generation of talent, as evidenced by Yahoo Sports naming Mbappé, Bellingham, and Cucurella to the 2026 FIFA World Cup Dream XI. However, the achievement has not been without debate; CBS Sports raised questions regarding whether Mbappé's historic record and Golden Boot win deserve a massive asterisk, though the coverage does not specify the nature of that asterisk. Looking forward, the focus remains on the legacy of these scoring records and the impact of the 2026 tournament's top performers. Following the conclusion of the event, attention has shifted to the performance of Premier League players, with ongoing voting to determine the best Premier League player at the World Cup. The sports world continues to analyze the statistical milestones reached by Mbappé, Olise, and Bellingham as they redefine the record books for their respective nations and the global game.