Mbappe takes Golden Boot lead but backs Lionel Messi to shine in the World Cup final: ‘He always delivers’

Mbappe takes Golden Boot lead but backs Lionel Messi to shine in the World Cup final: ‘He always delivers’ Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe may have strengthened his position in the race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot, but the France captain believes Lionel Messi is still capable of having the final say. Mbappe scored twice in France’s dramatic 4 -6 defeat to England in the third-place play-off, a performance that moved him clear at the top of the tournament’s scoring charts while also adding another remarkable chapter to his World Cup career.  Despite France ending the competition without a medal, the 27-year-old acknowledged that Messi remains a decisive figure ahead of Argentina’s final against Spain. Mbappe expects Messi to influence World Cup final France’s tournament ended in disappointment after consecutive defeats to Spain in the semi-finals and England in the third-place play-off. Mbappe’s brace against England was not enough to prevent the defeat, but it did leave him in pole position for the Golden Boot heading into the final. Even so, the Real Madrid forward refused to underestimate Messi’s ability to influence the biggest occasions. Speaking after the match, Mbappe said: “I don’t care about being top scorer. “Leo Messi will also score tomorrow! He always delivers.” With Argentina preparing to face Spain in the final, Messi remains the only realistic challenger capable of reducing the gap in the race for the tournament’s top scorer. France leave empty-handed While Mbappe enjoyed another prolific World Cup campaign, France ultimately fell short of their collective objective. MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JULY 18: Kylian Mbappe #10 of France reacts after England scores their fifth goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Bronze Final between France and England at Miami Stadium on July 18, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) Les Bleus finished fourth after suffering defeats in both the semi-final and the third-place play-off, bringing an underwhelming conclusion to a tournament in which they had been considered among the favourites. However, there were still individual positives. Mbappe’s two goals against England strengthened his position in the Golden Boot standings, while teammate Michael Olise enjoyed an outstanding tournament by registering seven assists, setting a new World Cup record. However, neither achievement could disguise France’s disappointment at leaving the competition without a medal.