Mbappé Is One Step Away from Matching Messi's Record

Kylian Mbappé moved to within one goal of Lionel Messi’s World Cup record as France beat Sweden 2-1 to reach the last 16 of the 2026 tournament.

Mbappé scored twice, with Bradley Barcola also on target for France in a strong performance. The double lifted Mbappé’s tally in this World Cup to six, putting him in the race for the Golden Boot.

The France captain now has 18 goals in World Cup finals, one behind Messi’s 19. He has reached that mark in 18 games, compared with Messi’s 29.

Only Gerd Müller has a better goals-per-game record in the competition among the names listed, with 14 goals in 13 matches. Mbappé, 27, is now the second-highest scorer in World Cup history and could move clear if Messi does not add to his total.