The 2022 World Cup final, in Qatar, is the last time the two went head to head on the pitch. Argentina took home the trophy, but Mbappé notched himself a hat trick, only the second such feat in World Cup history.
Messi is the first man to play in six World Cups, and has won the prestigious Ballon d’Or (“Golden Ball”) award a record eight times in his decades-long professional career.
During this year’s cup, the 27-year-old Mbappé became the French national team’s all-time top goal scorer. He surpassed Olivier Giroud’s record of 58 goals with two strikes in a 3-1 win over Senegal on June 16.
Across his 28 World Cup appearances, Messi averages two goals per three games played. Mbappé, who has logged 16 World Cup matches, averages about one score per game.
Mbappé holds the record for most goals scored during a World Cup final with four. Messi, on the other hand, has a higher rate of World Cup assists. With six assists in his World Cup career, Messi contributes to a score of about one in every four games. Mbappé, with two assists in his World Cup appearances, averages an assist every eight games.
Mbappé is often pitted against Messi, especially as he creeps up on the legend’s long list of records. When reporters asked Mbappé on Sunday who is the best among this World Cup’s stars — Lionel Messi, Harry Kane, Erling Haaland and himself — he didn’t flinch in his response: “Lionel Messi. It’s clear.”
