Kylian Mbappe vs Lionel Messi: The Race for Summit Continues as Frenchman joins Argentine in Rare List

Kylian Mbappe has joined Lionel Messi in yet another scintillating milestone as only the second player in the history of World Cup football.

Kylian Mbappe has now joined Argentina captain Messi in the ultra-exclusive club of players with seven or more goals across multiple tournaments.

Lionel Messi has been phenomenal for Argentina. The 39-year-old now leads the Golden Boot race with 7 goals in the 2026 edition. His latest strike against Cape Verde on July 3 made it his 20th career World Cup goal - an all-time record, and extended his scoring streak to eight consecutive matches. Messi scored 7 goals in 2022 as well, becoming the first player ever to achieve 7+ goals in two different World Cups.

Mbappe, meanwhile, has netted 7 goals so far in 2026 for France after a blistering 8-goal haul in 2022. His latest came against Paraguay in the Round of 16 clash, as the Real Madrid forward gave Les Bleus the lead.

With 19 career World Cup goals, he sits just one behind Messi's record of 20 goals. One more goal in this tournament would see the Frenchman join Messi as the only players with 7+ goals in multiple editions.

Both superstars remain central to their teams' knockout campaigns. Argentina advanced past Cape Verde to the Round of 16, while France continues to look formidable as they are edging closer to a quarterfinal spot.

Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe in an Engaging Pursuit

Both Mbappe and Messi have looked ominous in this World Cup. The Frenchman missed out scoring against Norway, but Messi has so far netted in all four Argentina matches. With their overall tally being 19 and 20 respectively, the duo are set for an intense battle for the top spot as the tournament folds.

Messi, especially, will be aiming to finish his World Cup career as the top scorer in the World Cups. Mbappe, just 27 years old now, is all but certain to have opportunities to surpass the Argentina legend in the coming years, if he fails to topple Messi this term.

Lionel Messi vs Kylian Mbappe in FIFA World Cup

As the tournament intensifies, Mbappe is chasing not only Messi's records but also the chance to lift the trophy again - a pursuit that has the football world captivated.