France and England met at MetLife Stadium in a high‑scoring third‑place encounter that resembled an exhibition more than a knockout clash. Both sides rotated key starters, yet Kylian Mbappé still managed to find the net twice and set up another, taking his tournament tally to ten goals and four assists.
A decisive final looms for Messi
The burst of productivity propelled Mbappé past Lionel Messi in the all‑time World Cup scoring list, solidifying his hold on the Golden Boot. Messi entered the match with eight goals and four assists, and now faces a daunting task in the championship decider: a hat‑trick would be required not only to reclaim the Golden Boot but also to overtake Mbappé’s 22 career World Cup goals.
Should Argentina defeat France in the final, they would join Brazil’s 1962 squad as the only nation to win back‑to‑back World Cups. A victory would also strengthen Messi’s case for a ninth Ballon d’Or and a record‑extending Golden Ball, adding another chapter to his storied career.