Kylian Mbappe scored twice in France's defeat to England in the World Cup bronze medal match, but the star striker is already looking ahead to the final, predicting that Lionel Messi will score for Argentina against Spain on Sunday.
Mbappe's two goals were not enough to secure a win for France, as England took home the bronze medal with a 6-4 victory, marking Didier Deschamps' final game in charge.
The French striker now leads the way for the Golden Boot with 10 goals at this year's World Cup, two clear of Messi. Mbappe has also scored 22 World Cup goals in his career, more than any other player in history and one more than Messi.
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Mbappe believes Messi will at least tie with his overall record in Argentina's World Cup final against Spain on Sunday. 'Leo will score, that's for sure, he scores every time,' Mbappe told French broadcaster M6.
The World Cup 2026 Golden Boot standings show Mbappe ahead of the pack, with 10 goals and 4 assists, followed closely by Messi with 8 goals and 4 assists. Jude Bellingham and Erling Haaland are also in the running, with 7 goals each.
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France got off to a poor start in their third-place match against England, with Thomas Tuchel's side taking a four-goal lead by half-time. However, Deschamps' side staged a comeback in the second half, scoring three goals without reply before ultimately falling short.
'I think there were two distinct periods,' Mbappe said, reflecting on the match. 'For the first, I can understand that some people think it was a joke and that we didn’t respect the jersey.'
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Mbappe praised his team's efforts in the second half, saying they became 'top-level players again, mental machines that have no more feelings.' Despite the loss, Mbappe and his teammates wanted to honor their outgoing coach, Didier Deschamps.
'We want to thank him for everything he's done,' Mbappe said. 'This match won't tarnish Didier Deschamps' legend.' With the bronze medal match behind them, all eyes will now be on the World Cup final, where Argentina will face off against Spain on Sunday.
Source: Metro
