Mbappe Breaks Messi’s All-Time World Cup Scoring Record as England Beat France 6-4 in Thrilling Bronze Play-Off

Kylian Mbappe broke Lionel Messi’s all-time World Cup scoring record, but France were unable to claim bronze after losing a wild third-place play-off against England.

England raced into a remarkable 4-0 half-time lead before Mbappe scored his 21st and 22nd World Cup goals to move ahead of Messi. His two goals also took him to 10 for the tournament and into the lead in the Golden Boot race.

Michael Olise assisted both goals, taking his tally to seven and breaking Pele’s record for the most assists at a single World Cup, which had stood since 1970.

But Bukayo Saka scored a late penalty to complete his hat-trick and Jude Bellingham scored England’s sixth. Third place represents England’s best World Cup finish since they won the tournament in 1966.

Now that is a rating I could not have conceived for a glorified friendly prior to this one kicking off.

This is arguably the game with the least on the line at the tournament and yet the teams put on a bona fide classic.

There were 10 goals but there could easily have been more if France had taken more of their chances in the second half.

Supporters in France and England had to stay up late if they wanted to watch the bronze-final match but, if they did, they were certainly rewarded for their commitment.