NBC News Tracks Messi and Mbappé in Historic Race for the All-Time FIFA World Cup Scoring Record

Date: June 27, 2026

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has delivered unforgettable moments, but one storyline has captivated football fans across the globe more than any other: the historic battle between Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé for the all-time FIFA World Cup scoring record.

As the tournament heads into the knockout stages, NBC News is among several major outlets closely following the remarkable chase between two of football's greatest superstars. Their pursuit of history has added another thrilling dimension to an already spectacular World Cup.

Messi Makes History

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has once again demonstrated why he is regarded as one of football's greatest players. The 39-year-old legend recently became the all-time World Cup goalscoring leader after surpassing the previous record with a stunning performance against Austria.

Messi's remarkable run has seen him score five goals during the 2026 tournament, taking his overall World Cup tally to an unprecedented 18 goals. His consistency across multiple World Cups highlights an extraordinary career spanning two decades on football's biggest stage.

The reigning world champion continues to inspire Argentina as they pursue back-to-back World Cup titles while simultaneously rewriting football history.

Mbappé Refuses to Give Up the Chase

While Messi currently sits atop the all-time rankings, France superstar Kylian Mbappé remains firmly in contention.

The 27-year-old has already accumulated 16 career World Cup goals, including four goals at the 2026 tournament. His incredible scoring rate has made him the closest challenger to Messi's new record.

Mbappé's pace, finishing ability and experience at the World Cup have established him as one of the tournament's most dangerous forwards. With France among the favorites to lift the trophy, the Paris-born forward could still narrow—or even erase—the gap before the competition concludes.

A Rivalry That Defines an Era

The Messi-Mbappé rivalry has grown even stronger since their unforgettable meeting in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final, where Argentina triumphed on penalties after an epic 3-3 draw.

Now, four years later, both players are once again writing football history. While Messi aims to extend his legendary legacy, Mbappé is determined to become the youngest player ever to own the all-time World Cup scoring record.

Their pursuit has become one of the defining narratives of the 2026 tournament.

More Than Individual Glory

Although personal milestones are attracting headlines, both stars remain focused on their countries' ambitions.

Argentina hopes to defend its world title behind Messi's leadership, while France believes Mbappé can inspire another championship run after lifting the trophy in 2018.

Should either nation reach the final, the race for the all-time scoring record could continue until the very last match of the tournament.

Football Fans Witness History

Every goal from Messi and Mbappé now carries historic significance. With millions watching worldwide, each strike could reshape the World Cup record books.

Whether Messi adds to his legendary tally or Mbappé closes the gap before the tournament ends, football supporters are witnessing one of the greatest individual record chases in FIFA World Cup history.

As the knockout rounds begin, the spotlight remains firmly fixed on two icons whose names are already etched into football folklore—and whose race for immortality is far from over.