Mbappé matches Messi's World Cup scoring record, leads Golden Boot race

Kylian Mbappé reached a significant milestone on Saturday, scoring his ninth World Cup goal against England. This achievement not only puts him provisionally ahead of Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot but also matches Messi's record of 21 goals as the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history.

The Real Madrid forward found the net in the 48th minute of the third-place playoff match, converting a pass from Michael Olise. Mbappé was one of four French players who started the match with the aim of surpassing Messi, who had scored eight goals but provided one more assist than the Frenchman in the Golden Boot standings. Messi, however, still has the final match to play on Sunday against Spain.

Mbappé's goal also brought him level with Messi at 21 World Cup goals. The French striker has accumulated these goals over 22 matches across three World Cup tournaments, including lifting the trophy with France in 2018. France was trailing 2-4 at the start of the second half in the match against England.