Kylian Mbappé is still in the World Cup Golden Boot race because he is tied with Lionel Messi on eight goals. Messi has the edge on the first two tiebreakers, though, so Mbappe needs one more strong performance to turn the contest back in his favour.
Messi has the edge on the tiebreakers
Messi’s four assists to Mbappe’s three give him the first advantage. He also has more minutes in the tournament, 651 to 627, which matters if the race stays level after goals and assists.
There has been some confusion over Mbappe’s minutes, with one report putting him on 609. The figure used in the tournament line here is 627, which keeps Messi ahead on the third tiebreaker too.
Mbappe’s scoring level still keeps the race open. His 8 goals in 7 appearances are strong tournament numbers, and the same is true of Messi’s own line, which has him level on goals and ahead in the underlying race for the award.
France's exit does not end the individual race
France's defeat changes the team picture, but it does not remove Mbappe from the Golden Boot conversation. France's forward remains level on goals with Messi, and the award still has a final game to settle the order.
Jeremie Aliadiere was blunt about the broader individual debate around Mbappe, saying: "Even if on a personal level, I thought he had a great season, scored a ridiculous amount of goals and carried the team for most part of the season."
That is the part Mbappe can still lean on. The scoring is there, and the race is not closed because the next appearance can still change the tiebreakers. The third-place match is the last chance to do it.
Written by Sam Whitfield with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 3 outlets. How we work →
