France captain Kylian Mbappé has played down comparisons with Lionel Messi in the race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot, insisting that his main focus remains on improving his own performances rather than monitoring the achievements of other players.
Speaking after their win over Sweden in the round of 32, Mbappé acknowledged Messi’s remarkable consistency in front of goal but made it clear that he is concentrating on his own contributions to the French national team.
“I don’t look at what Messi does. He has always scored, he scores, and he always will score. I’ve said it before,” Mbappé said.
The 27-year-old forward added that constantly comparing himself to the Argentine superstar would only increase the challenge he faces.
“If I want to look at what he does, I’ll have to do even more,” he stated.
Mbappé’s comments come as the race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup top scorer award intensifies after the forward netted a brace in their 3-0 win against Sweden. Both he and Messi have been among the standout performers at the 2026 World Cup, both now have 6 goals as they lead the top scorer’s table.
The two forwards previously shared the dressing room at French club Paris Saint-Germain, where they formed part of one of the most star-studded attacking trios in football alongside Neymar.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in football history, Lionel Messi has built a career defined by goals, trophies and individual awards. Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappé has emerged as one of the game’s leading figures, helping France win the 2018 FIFA World Cup and playing a key role in the country’s recent international successes.
Mbappé’s response reflects his growing maturity and confidence. Rather than becoming distracted by individual accolades or comparisons with established legends, the French star appears focused on helping his team progress in the tournament.
As the World Cup enters its decisive stages, the battle for the Golden Boot remains one of the competition’s most closely watched storylines.
However, Mbappé’s latest remarks suggest that while he respects Messi’s achievements, his attention is firmly fixed on delivering results for France and continuing to raise his own standards.
