Messi and Mbappe’ make history as only players with 10+ goal contributions in two World Cups

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As the 2026 FIFA World Cup reaches its dramatic conclusion, two names continue to dominate the tournament like never before: Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé. The Argentine and French superstars have achieved something no other players in the history of the competition can claim—registering 10 or more direct goal contributions in multiple editions of the World Cup

Messi’s Masterclass in 2026

At 39 years old, Messi has delivered another virtuoso performance on football’s biggest stage. Through six matches in the 2026 tournament, the Argentine captain has recorded eight goals and two assists, bringing his total direct goal contributions to 10—matching his output from Argentina’s title-winning campaign in Qatar four years ago. Remarkably, he has achieved this with one fewer match played than in 2022.

Beyond the numbers, Messi has been rewriting the record books throughout the tournament. He became the first footballer in World Cup history to provide 10 career assists, surpassing Argentine legend Diego Maradona, who finished with eight. His 10 assists have been provided to 10 different teammates, underscoring his unselfish brilliance. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner also became the all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup history with 21 goals, moving past Miroslav Klose’s previous mark of 16.

Mbappé’s Record-Breaking Campaign

If Messi’s numbers are staggering, Mbappé’s are historic. The 27-year-old French captain has posted eight goals and three assists in six matches, totaling 11 direct goal contributions at the 2026 tournament. That figure represents the highest single-tournament goal contribution total since Gerd Müller’s legendary 13 for West Germany in 1970.

Mbappé became the first player in 56 years to record 11 or more goal contributions at a single World Cup. The last to achieve the feat was Müller himself, who scored 10 goals and added three assists during the 1970 tournament. The Frenchman’s exploits also eclipse several other legendary campaigns, including Diego Maradona’s iconic 1986 tournament.

With 20 career World Cup goals, Mbappé sits just one behind Messi’s all-time record of 21—and at 27 years old, he appears destined to become the long-term holder of that crown.

A Rivalry for the Ages

The two superstars are currently tied with eight goals apiece in the Golden Boot race, with Mbappé holding the edge on the tiebreaker of three assists to Messi’s two. Their rivalry reached its peak in the 2022 final, when Mbappé scored a hat-trick—the first in a World Cup final since 1966—while Messi scored twice, with Argentina ultimately prevailing on penalties.

Should both Argentina and France win their respective semifinals, the football world would be treated to a dream rematch of that epic final in New York on Sunday.

Exclusive Company

Since records began in 1966, no other player in World Cup history has managed the feat of 10+ goal contributions in two separate tournaments. Messi achieved it in 2022 (10) and 2026 (10); Mbappé in 2022 (10) and 2026 (11). Together, they have not only redefined the standards of individual excellence at the World Cup but have also cemented their places as two of the greatest players the game has ever seen.

With the semifinals looming, the question is no longer whether they will make history—but how much more history they can still write.