Didier Deschamps’ final match as France coach ended in defeat, but Kylian Mbappe etched his name into World Cup history by overtaking Lionel Messi as the competition’s all-time leading scorer.
Mbappe scored twice in France’s dramatic 6-4 loss to England in Saturday’s third-place playoff in Miami Gardens, Florida, taking his career World Cup tally to 22 goals and moving ahead of Messi on the all-time scoring chart.
France endured a disastrous opening half, falling 4-0 behind before Mbappe sparked a spirited fightback with a first-time finish three minutes into the second half. Bradley Barcola then reduced the deficit before the Real Madrid forward struck again in the 66th minute to keep Les Bleus in contention.
Deschamps’ side added a fourth goal, but Bukayo Saka’s hat-trick and Jude Bellingham’s late strike ensured England secured third place in a pulsating encounter.
Despite setting a new World Cup scoring record, Mbappe admitted the personal milestone offered little consolation after France failed to reach the final.
