Messi and Mbappé making history as the goals keep coming at the World Cup
AP News • • general
Key Points:
- Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé are leading the World Cup with record-breaking goal tallies, with Messi scoring 18 career World Cup goals and Mbappé tied for second with 16.
- Messi, nearing 39, continues to defy age with exceptional skill and stamina, scoring five goals in Argentina’s first two matches and setting a record for most World Cup goals by an older player.
- Mbappé, at 27, is in his prime and has scored four goals in this tournament, matching Miroslav Klose’s career World Cup total and demonstrating a higher scoring rate than Messi.
- Norway’s Erling Haaland has made a strong World Cup debut with four goals in two games, positioning himself as a potential top scorer if Norway advances further.
- Both Argentina and France have secured spots in the knockout rounds and remain favorites to win, with Messi and Mbappé continuing their rivalry that began in the 2022 final.
