The 2022 Qatar final between Argentina and France delivered pure football theater: a 3-3 draw, Kylian Mbappé’s hat-trick, Lionel Messi finally lifting the trophy, and a penalty shootout finish. Many call it the greatest World Cup final of all time. And now Messi vs Mbappé 2026, front of each other. So we’re getting a rematch of the World Cup match ever?
Fast-forward to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico — and the question on every fan’s mind is: Can we get the sequel?
Will the legendary 2022 rivalry return? Get the ultimate breakdown of Messi vs Mbappé 2026 records, group stage paths, and tactical battle storylines.
The 2022 Classic Still Gives Us Goosebumps
On December 18, 2022, Messi and Mbappé produced one of the most iconic individual duels in World Cup history. Mbappé scored three goals in 80 minutes to drag France back from the brink. Messi answered with a goal and assist, then converted his penalty in the shootout as Argentina won 4-2.
It was Messi’s crowning moment and Mbappé’s heartbreaking near-miss. The images of Messi lifting the trophy while Mbappé stared at the runners-up medal are seared into football history.
| 2 | 2022 Final | 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Goals (Messi) | Goals (Mbappé) |
All-time Messi vs Mbappé World Cup Records
| 13 | 12 | 39 | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Messi World Cup goals — needs 4 more for record | Mbappé World Cup goals — at age 24 | Messi’s age entering 2026 World Cup | Mbappé’s 2022 Golden Boot goals |
The 2022 final — a recap
Before looking forward, it is worth remembering just how extraordinary the 2022 World Cup final was — and how much of that was down to the individual brilliance of two men.
Argentina took an early lead through Messi’s penalty. They went 2-0 up before halftime, with Messi heavily involved in the build-up to Ángel Di María’s finish.
France looked beaten — until Mbappé intervened. Two goals in 95 seconds, around the 80th minute, took the game to extra time. Messi scored again to make it 3-2. Mbappé equalized again to complete his hat-trick. Messi scored in the shootout. Mbappé scored in the shootout.
By the numbers:
| Stat | Lionel Messi | Kylian Mbappé |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 2 (1 pen) | 3 (1 pen) |
| Assists | 1 | 0 |
| Shots | 7 | 4 |
| Expected Goals (xG) | 1.53 | 1.54 |
| Chances created | 2 | 1 |
| Dribbles completed | 8 | 3 |
| Touches | 104 | 59 |
| Shootout scored | Yes | Yes |
Head-to-head stats: Messi vs Mbappé
While the 2022 final was their defining head-to-head moment, Messi and Mbappé have a longer history — both as teammates at PSG and as rivals on the international stage.
Here are their all-time numbers against each other:
| Competition | Matches | Messi Goals | Mbappé Goals | Messi Assists | Mbappé Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| World Cup | 1 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Champions League* | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
Messi at 38–39: One Last Dance?
Lionel Messi, now 38 (turning 39 during the tournament), is back for a record sixth World Cup. He’s the captain, the leader, and still the heartbeat of a very strong Argentina side.
He looked sharp in warm-up matches, including scoring a penalty against Iceland, and has joined the squad in Kansas City ready for the opener against Algeria on June 16.
Mbappé in His Prime: France’s Captain Fantastic
Kylian Mbappé, 27, is at the peak of his powers. He’s France’s captain, the focal point of attack, and already has a World Cup winner’s medal (2018) plus a final hat-trick (2022).
Despite a mixed club season at Real Madrid, Mbappé has made it clear his focus is entirely on 2026. He recently sent a direct message to Messi and Argentina: France is ready for a rematch. “We want this World Cup,” he reportedly said when asked about facing Argentina again in the final.
France have incredible depth (Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and more) and sit among the co-favorites at roughly +470 to +500. They open against Senegal on June 16 at MetLife Stadium.
Messi vs Mbappé 2026 Records
Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé enter the FIFA World Cup 2026 Squad on the verge of breaking some of the most prestigious records in football history, specifically targeting the all-time World Cup scoring record. While Messi has achieved milestones like his 900th career goal earlier this year, Mbappé has simultaneously surpassed one of Messi’s oldest European records.
| Record Milestone | Lionel Messi (Argentina) | Kylian Mbappé (France) |
|---|---|---|
| Current World Cup Goals | 13 goals | 12 goals |
| Goals Needed to Break Record (17) | 4 goals | 5 goals |
| World Cup Appearances | 26 matches (All-time record) | 14 matches |
| World Cup Assists | 8 assists | 5 assists |
| World Cup Finals Goals | 2 goals | 4 goals (All-time record) |
Can They Actually Meet in the Final?
Short answer: It’s possible — but far from guaranteed.
- Argentina (Group J: Algeria, Austria, Jordan) are expected to top the group easily.
- France (Group I: Senegal, Iraq, Norway) should also advance comfortably.
The bracket structure means the two teams cannot meet before the quarterfinals in most scenarios. A final rematch would require both to navigate a brutal knockout path that includes powerhouses like Spain, England, Brazil, Portugal, and possibly each other earlier.
Current betting markets favor Spain (+450–460) and France (+470–500) slightly ahead of England, Portugal, Brazil, and Argentina.
What would a 2026 rematch between Messi and Mbappé look like?
Key storylines if it happens:
- Messi’s legacy vs Mbappé’s redemption — A win for Argentina cements Messi as the undisputed GOAT. A France victory gives Mbappé the ultimate revenge and possibly cements his own legendary status.
- Tactical battle — Lionel Scaloni’s compact, counter-attacking Argentina vs Didier Deschamps’ athletic, high-pressing France.
- Experience vs Youth & Depth — Argentina have more World Cup winners in the squad. France have superior squad depth and athleticism.
- Home-soil pressure — The final is at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. North American fans would lose their minds for this matchup.
2025–2026 Domestic Season Form
Ahead of international duties, both players enjoyed highly productive domestic campaigns with Inter Miami CF and Real Madrid:
- Lionel Messi (2026 Calendar Year to Date):
- 18 appearances across MLS, Champions Cup, and Friendlies.
- 14 goals and 7 assists.
- Kylian Mbappé (2025–26 European Season):
- La Liga: 25 goals and 5 assists in 31 appearances.
- Champions League: 15 goals and 1 assist in 11 appearances.
How Likely Is It?
Realistically? Low-to-moderate probability — but the possibility is what makes it so exciting.
Both teams are among the top 6–7 contenders. If form holds and they avoid major injuries or early upsets, a quarterfinal or semifinal clash is more probable than the final. Still, stranger things have happened in World Cups — and the football gods love a good sequel.
Mbappé has already thrown down the gauntlet. Messi and Argentina will be ready to defend their crown.
One thing is certain: If these two teams meet again on football’s biggest stage, the world will be watching.
Will Messi play the full 2026 World Cup?
He’s in the squad and motivated, but at 38–39 his minutes will likely be carefully managed. Expect him to feature heavily in knockout stages if Argentina advance.
Is France the favorite?
They’re co-favorites with Spain right now. Their squad depth makes them extremely dangerous.
Where is the 2026 final?
MetLife Stadium, New Jersey (USA) on July 19, 2026.
Can Argentina win back-to-back World Cups?
Only Brazil (1958–62) and Italy (1934–38) have done it before. It’s historically difficult — but this Argentina team has the experience and Messi factor.
