Kylian Mbappe has predicted that Lionel Messi will score for Argentina in Sunday's World Cup final against Spain, following France's 6-4 defeat to England in the bronze medal match. Mbappe scored twice in the game, which marked Didier Deschamps' final match as France manager, but England secured victory with a hat-trick from Bukayo Saka and a solo goal from Jude Bellingham.
Mbappe's Golden Boot Lead
Mbappe now leads the Golden Boot race with 10 goals at the 2026 World Cup, two ahead of Messi. The Real Madrid striker also holds the record for most World Cup goals in history with 22, one more than Messi. Despite this, Mbappe believes Messi will at least tie his record in the final. 'Leo will score, that's for sure, he scores every time,' Mbappe told French broadcaster M6.
France's Performance Against England
France fell behind 4-0 by halftime in the third-place match, with England dominating early. France scored three unanswered goals after the break to mount a comeback, but Saka's penalty and Bellingham's late strike sealed the win. Ousmane Dembele scored in injury time to give France hope, but it was not enough. Mbappe reflected on the performance: 'I think there were two distinct periods. For the first, I can understand that some people think it was a joke and that we didn't respect the jersey. I would say rather that we were human.'
Tribute to Deschamps
Mbappe acknowledged the disappointment of losing in Deschamps' final game. 'We wanted to do something for him, and the first half gave the impression that we let him down, even if that wasn't the feeling we intended. But we want to thank him for everything he's done. This match won't tarnish Didier Deschamps' legend,' Mbappe said.
The World Cup final between Argentina and Spain takes place on Sunday, with Messi aiming to add to his 8 goals in the tournament.
