Mbappe and Messi Face Off in Final Match to Become World Cup's All-Time Top Scorer

Argentina staged a dramatic comeback to win 2-1, with Lionel Messi providing two key assists in the 85th and 92nd minutes. This victory sets the stage for a thrilling showdown between Messi and Kylian Mbappe, who both have eight goals in the current World Cup tournament. The two captains of Argentina and France are now poised to battle for the title of the highest goal scorer in World Cup history during the final match of the 2026 tournament.

Currently, Messi leads with 21 career World Cup goals, just one ahead of Mbappe's 20. Messi also holds an edge in assists, with four compared to Mbappe's three. England's Harry Kane, with six goals, aims not only to help England win their first World Cup since 1966 but also to surpass both Messi and Mbappe in the final against Spain. Goals scored in the third-place match will also count toward the all-time scoring record.

For Messi, likely playing in his final World Cup, this is a chance to cement his legacy with an unprecedented scoring record and a second consecutive World Cup trophy. Mbappe, who is expected to participate in at least one more World Cup, has his own ambitions to claim the top scorer title and lead France to victory. The upcoming matches promise an exciting conclusion to the tournament and a historic rivalry between two of football's greatest players.