If I want to look at what he does, I’ll have to do even more

Kylian Mbappe has revealed that he does not pay attention to what Lionel Messi is achieving at the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament. He went on to say that if he wants to follow in the footsteps of Messi, he would have to put more effort into his game.

Speaking in an interview after France’s 3-0 win over Iran in the ongoing FIFA World Cup, Mbappe revealed that Lionel Messi always scores goals. He also suggested that the former Barcelona forward would always remain consistient in attack, saying (via @AlbicelesteTalk on X):

“I don’t look at what Leo does. He’s always scored, he scores, and he will always score. I’ve already said it. If I want to look at what he does, I’ll have to do even more.”

In Argentina’s opening game of the 2026 World Cup against Algeria, Messi registered an outstanding performance and scored a hat-trick. Kylian Mbappe responded by scoring a brace against Senegal.

The Argentine skipper went on to score a brace in their second encounter with Austria, while the Real Madrid striker also scored a brace in France’s 3-0 win over Iraq.

Both players have been superb in the tournament. Messi leads with five goals in two games, while Mbappe has scored four in the same number of games. Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe also have one FIFA World Cup title each to their names.

How many goals have Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe scored in the FIFA World Cup since making their respective debuts?

Lionel Messi made his debut in 2006 and has been an important player for Argentina since then. The Inter Miami CF forward has played in six World Cup tournaments and has scored 18 goals in 28 appearances.

The right winger has likewise scored the most goals in the tournament (18) and won the most games (18). Meanwhile, Mbappe made his debut in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, which France won, and he has represented Les Bleus in three tournaments.

The Frenchman has also scored 16 goals in 16 appearances, and he’s the joint-second top scorer in the tournament’s history. Argentina and France are predicted to be the favorites for the trophy, and both players might face off once again.