France captain Kylian Mbappe believes Argentina captain Lionel Messi will find the net in Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final against Spain, despite France missing out on the title match.
Speaking after France’s defeat to England in the third-place playoff on Saturday, the Real Madrid forward expressed confidence in Messi’s ability to deliver on the biggest stage.
“Leo will score, that is for sure. He scores every time,” Mbappe told French broadcaster M6.
Mbappe, who currently leads the race for the Golden Boot with 10 goals, admitted that while individual achievements are significant, they cannot replace the opportunity to compete in the World Cup final.
“I try to help my team score. It’s true that when you score so many goals in the World Cup, it elevates you in certain areas, but I would have preferred not to be the all-time top scorer and to play in the match.”
He added that although becoming one of the tournament’s greatest goalscorers enhances his legacy, his priority was always helping France reach the final.
Mbappe currently holds a two-goal advantage over Messi in the Golden Boot standings. However, with Argentina set to face Spain in the final, Messi will have one last opportunity to close the gap while chasing another World Cup title.
