https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/kylian-mbappe-france-2026-fifa-world-cup-sweden
Kylian Mbappé’s recent performance has brought him closer to Lionel Messi in the race for the all-time World Cup goals record. According to a tweet by Fabrizio Romano, Mbappé scored twice, reaching 18 World Cup goals, just one shy of Messi’s record. However, tournament records indicate that Mbappé has actually scored 16 goals in his World Cup career, highlighting a potential discrepancy in the reported figures. This development has impacted the prediction markets, particularly concerning the Golden Boot race at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Messi and Mbappé are key contenders.
The impact of Mbappé’s scoring prowess has been reflected in the market odds for Messi to secure the Golden Boot this year. The probability of Messi ending as the top goalscorer has seen a decrease, with current odds standing at 39.1% YES, down from 53% just 24 hours earlier. This shift suggests market participants view Mbappé’s performance as a significant threat to Messi’s chances of maintaining or extending his lead in the scoring chart.
Despite the incorrect reporting of Mbappé’s total goals, his ability to find the back of the net remains a critical factor in the Golden Boot race. As the tournament progresses, both players’ performances and their teams’ advancement will be closely watched by market participants.
