Lionel Messi has already made history at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but Kylian Mbappé is on his heels.
The France star has already broken the federation's record for the most international goals scored, and he's within striking distance of Messi's ever-increasing record for the most goals scored ever at the World Cup.
Will Mbappé catch Messi before the World Cup is over?
Follow along as we track Mbappé's road to potentially catching up to Messi: Mbappé At 2026 World Cup: 4 Goals France vs.
Iraq Mbappé moved into a tie for the second-most goals scored by a men's player at the FIFA World Cup after scoring two goals against Iraq on Tuesday.
He scored his first goal of the day in the 14th minute, making a strong, left-footed shot from outside the box for his 15th career World Cup goal.
Then, after a two-hour-long rain delay, Mbappé scored his 16th career World Cup goal thanks to a mistake by Iraq.
The French star was able to go one-on-one with Iraq goalkeeper Ahmed Basil after he turned the ball over in his own penalty box.
The goal moved Mbappé back to just two goals behind Lionel Messi for the most goals scored ever in the World Cup.
Mbappé's second goal of the day also helped him break a tie with former Brazil star Ronaldo for the third-most goals scored by a men's player in the World Cup, while he tied former Germany star Miroslav Klose.
Senegal Mbappé became France's all-time leading goalscorer with his second goal of the tournament and his 58th for France.
Olivier Giroud, who retired from France's national team following Euro 2024, was previously France's all-time leading goalscorer, scoring his 57th goal in March 2024 at the age of 37.
Mbappé also eclipsed France legend Just Fontaine and Lionel Messi to Gerd Müller for the third-most goals in World Cup history with 14.
France World Cup Schedule FIFA Men's World Cup All-Time Top Goalscorers Sitting tied for fourth place in all-time World Cup goals, Mbappé is chasing some legitimate legends.
At the top of the heap is Argentina's Lionel Messi, whose memorable hat trick tied him with Germany legend Miroslav Klose.
Messi, who won the World Cup in 2022, is in his sixth tournament appearance, while Klose helped Germany win it in 2014 with his fourth and final appearance at the tournament.
Miroslav Klose (Germany) — 16 goals T1.
Lionel Messi (Argentina) — 16 goals 3.
Ronaldo (Brazil) — 15 goals T4.
Gerd Müller (Germany) — 14 goals T4.
Kylian Mbappé (France) — 14 goals 5.
Just Fontaine (France) — 13 goals 6.
Pelé (Brazil) — 12 goals Mbappé At 2022 World Cup: 8 Goals At the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Mbappé had a remarkable tournament, scoring eight goals to win the Golden Boot.
His tournament included a historic hat-trick in the final against Argentina, making him the first player to score three goals in a World Cup final since 1966.
Nonetheless, Mbappé and France came up short against Argentina, losing on penalties.
Mbappé At 2018 World Cup: 4 Goals At the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, Mbappé broke onto the international scene, scoring four goals as a 19-year-old and playing a key role in France’s championship run.
During that campaign, he became only the second teenager to score in a World Cup final when he found the net in France's 4-2 victory over Croatia in 2018.
Sources: Fox Sports
