Sport: Soccer Country: France Category: Coaching

Kylian Mbappé eager for Golden Boot duel with Lionel Messi

The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 21, 2026, 9:47 PM

Last updated Jun 21, 2026

Kylian Mbappé eager for Golden Boot duel with Lionel Messi

Summary

Kylian Mbappé is focused on a Golden Boot rivalry with Lionel Messi as France prepares for a vital match against Iraq on Monday. He expressed that while individual accolades are appealing, team success remains the priority for Les Bleus to secure qualification from Group C. Mbappé effectively managed the attention from the media, regarding teammates’ performances and tactical discussions. France’s head coach, Didier Deschamps, took a more assertive stance in addressing team strategies ahead of the crucial encounter.

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The Guardian Sport

Key Details

•Mbappé views Messi as the 'best of the best'.
•France aims to secure qualification with a win over Iraq.
•The match against Iraq is scheduled for Monday.
•Mbappé defended Ousmane Dembélé’s contributions in the media.

Latest Updates

9:47 PMThe Guardian Sport — Kylian Mbappé hungry for Golden Boot battle with Messi as he sings Les Bleus

What they're saying

"
Mbappé: Nothing bigger than playing for France Striker defends performance of Ousmane Dembélé Kylian Mbappé is relishing a Golden Boot duel with Lionel Messi, the player he calls the “best of the best”, but has said his personal ambitions would be subordinated to those of the team when France seek to seal qualification from Group C with victory over Iraq on Monday. Mbappé stepped into the full glare of the international media for the first time at this World Cup and handled the spotlight impeccably. From a defence of Ousmane Dembélé to the hot topic of the hydration break, France’s captain spoke in a calm and thoughtful manner. A more pugilistic role was reserved for his manager, Didier Deschamps. Continue reading...
— The Guardian Sportby Paul MacInnes in Philadelphia

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The Guardian SportJun 21, 2026, 9:47 PM
Kylian Mbappé hungry for Golden Boot battle with Messi as he sings Les Bleus
Mbappé: Nothing bigger than playing for France Striker defends performance of Ousmane Dembélé Kylian Mbappé is relishing a Golden Boot duel with Lionel Messi, the player he calls the “best of the best”, but has said his personal ambitions would be subordinated to those of the team when France seek to seal qualification from Group C with victory over Iraq on Monday. Mbappé stepped into the full glare of the international media for the first time at this World Cup and handled the spotlight impeccably. From a defence of Ousmane Dembélé to the hot topic of the hydration break, France’s captain spoke in a calm and thoughtful manner. A more pugilistic role was reserved for his manager, Didier Deschamps. Continue reading...

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