Kylian Mbappe says winning the World Cup matters more than surpassing Lionel Messi’s scoring record.
France star Kylian Mbappe insists lifting the FIFA World Cup trophy remains his only priority, despite moving within touching distance of Lionel Messi’s all-time World Cup scoring record following another match-winning display for Les Bleus.
The 27-year-old scored twice in France’s comfortable 3-0 victory over Sweden in the Round of 32, taking his tally to six goals at this year’s tournament.
That performance also moved him to 18 World Cup goals in just 18 appearances, leaving him only one behind Messi’s record of 19 while drawing level with the Argentine atop the Golden Boot standings.
Kylian Mbappé becomes the top European goalscorer in #FIFAWorldCup history 🌟 pic.twitter.com/96wJcfhip1
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 1, 2026
Despite the growing attention surrounding the individual milestones, Mbappe made it clear that personal records are secondary to France’s pursuit of another world title. The forward is focused solely on helping Didier Deschamps’ side return to New York for the World Cup final on July 19.
“I think the goal, as I said, is to go as far as possible – to make it to July 19 and come back here,” Mbappe told reporters. “We’re trying to win and we’re taking it one step at a time. Of course, the more goals you score, the higher you climb in the rankings, but that’s not my focus.”
Inevitable. 🇫🇷#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/8r9nqzL9to
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 30, 2026
The French captain also backed Messi to continue adding to his remarkable tally as Argentina prepare for their own Round of 32 clash against Cape Verde. “I’m convinced that Leo is going to score more goals,” Mbappe admitted. “I don’t focus too much on that. I’m more focused on the opponents we might face and how close we’re getting to our goal, which is the final.”
France’s next challenge comes in the form of Paraguay, who stunned four-time world champions Germany by progressing on penalties after producing a disciplined defensive display.
Mbappe expects another difficult encounter and warned that Les Bleus cannot afford to underestimate a side that has already shown it can frustrate one of the tournament favourites.
“We’ll keep working between now and the Paraguay match to see what we can improve because there are still some sequences that aren’t quite clear enough,” he said. “There’s room for improvement, but overall I think it’s been positive.”
A strong performance sees France through 💪#FIFAWorldCup
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 30, 2026
Mbappe believes France’s attacking quality gives them confidence against any opponent, even as the knockout stages become increasingly demanding. “Our ability to score goals means we always have the chance to take the lead in matches,” he added, highlighting the firepower that has made Les Bleus one of the most feared teams remaining in the competition.
France will face Paraguay on Saturday for a place in the quarter-finals, where either co-hosts Canada or Morocco await.
