Kylian Mbappe Predicts Goal-Scoring Showdown at FIFA World Cup 2026

Mbappe Backs Ronaldo Over Messi

In a recent Instagram football challenge with content creator Finn Agostinelli and Sorare, Kylian Mbappe, the captain of the French national team and a star at Real Madrid, expressed his belief that Cristiano Ronaldo will surpass Lionel Messi in goals during the upcoming FIFA World Cup. However, he also confidently stated that he aims to be the tournament's top scorer, outpacing the Portuguese legend.

When faced with the choice between Messi and Ronaldo, Mbappe chose Cristiano, acknowledging the ongoing debate surrounding their legacies. Messi achieved his lifelong ambition by winning the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022, while Ronaldo, now 41, is coming off a successful season with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, where he continues to demonstrate his goal-scoring prowess.

During the rapid-fire segment, Mbappe opted for himself over Ronaldo, showcasing his ambition. He also expressed confidence in his Real Madrid teammate, Vinicius Jr., to outscore notable players like Lamine Yamal and Harry Kane.

The upcoming 2026 World Cup holds significant emotional weight for Mbappe, especially after his remarkable hat-trick in the 2022 final against Argentina, which ultimately ended in disappointment for France. He admitted to avoiding rewatching that match, fearing it might bring back painful memories.

As the tournament approaches, both Ronaldo and Messi are set to make history by participating in their sixth World Cup, with Ronaldo having scored eight goals and Messi thirteen in previous tournaments. Ronaldo, however, has yet to score in a World Cup knockout match, a blemish he hopes to erase from his illustrious career.

France will compete in Group I alongside Senegal, Iraq, and Norway, with their first match scheduled at the MetLife Stadium on June 16. Mbappe has already netted 12 goals in two World Cup appearances, including four in finals, and is on the hunt to break Miroslav Klose's all-time record of 16 goals.