Kylian Mbappe starts strong in World Cup, trails Lionel Messi
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 22, 2026, 8:33 AM
Last updated Jun 22, 2026
Kylian Mbappe has begun the 2026 World Cup with impressive performance, matching the early scoring efforts of Lionel Messi. As both compete to advance their national teams in the tournament, Messi currently leads in goals scored after the first round of matches. Mbappe, who acknowledged Messi's capabilities, expressed his intent to keep scoring for France and aims to win the World Cup. The two players have a history of rivalry, particularly from the 2022 final, and their paths could cross again in the knockout stages of the 2026 tournament.
- •Mbappe has made a flying start to the 2026 World Cup.
- •Lionel Messi leads the early scoring charts in the tournament.
- •Mbappe aims to keep scoring to help France advance.
- •They have a significant history from the 2022 World Cup final.
- •The tournament is taking place in the United States.
- 8:33 AMYahoo Sports — Kylian Mbappe knows exactly where he stands in the Lionel Messi World Cup chase
"Kylian Mbappe has made a flying start to the 2026 World Cup, and only one player managed to outscore the France captain in the opening round of matches. That player is Lionel Messi.
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