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Mbappé overtakes Messi in 2026 World Cup scoring chart with another brace

Author of two goals against Sweden (3-0), Kylian Mbappé matches and then surpasses Lionel Messi at the top of the 2026 World Cup scoring chart, with six goals each but an advantage in assists.

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Mbappé overtakes Messi in 2026 World Cup scoring chart with another brace
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Kylian Mbappé scored a brace in France’s 3-0 victory over Sweden to bring his total to six goals at the 2026 World Cup, equalling Lionel Messi at the top of the scoring chart. Level on goals, it is the assists criterion that places the France captain ahead of the Argentine: two to zero.

The two former PSG teammates are dominating the race for the Golden Boot. According to simulations by Football Meets Data, Mbappé and Messi each have a 43% chance of finishing top, well ahead of their pursuers. Erling Haaland, despite being credited with five goals, is given only 6%, with Norway’s tournament prospects limiting his scoring opportunities. Harry Kane stands at 4%, Ousmane Dembélé at 2% and Vinicius Jr at 1%.

A statistical detail slightly nuances the apparent equality: Mbappé has played one more match than Messi at this stage of the competition, which potentially leaves him one fewer match to play to extend his lead. This relative advantage for the Argentine is not enough to reverse the hierarchy established by the data, which gives the Frenchman a narrow edge.

Four years after their final duel in Qatar, France and Argentina are still in contention to meet at the same stage of this 2026 World Cup. The Mbappé-Messi duel, on the pitch as in individual statistics, is therefore far from over.

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