‘Everybody’s talking – I’m watching TV too’

Kylian Mbappe says he “knows the numbers” and is following the news of his golden boot race with Lionel Messi at the 2026 World Cup, with the striker looking to “go down in history” by winning a second title in three editions of the tournament.

Captain Mbappe scored twice as Les Bleus beat Sweden 3-0 in the last 32 in New Jersey on Tuesday, equaling fellow Argentinian Messi, who scored once against Jordan on Sunday, as the top scorer with six goals in the final.

“I am sure that Leo will score many goals, so I do not believe that,” said Mbappe, who scored a hat-trick in the 2022 final when France lost to Argentina in Lusail, Messi scoring two goals in that game.

“I know how important the World Cup is to the country and I have always said that my goal is to make history for my country.

“I’ve done it once and I was approaching Qatar, we can enter the history of our country.”

World Cup 2026: France ‘want to help’ Mbappe vs Messi

His teammate Malo Gusto said the French team was “not surprised” that their talisman is fighting to win the Ballon d’Or award eight times to win the golden boot.

“When you’re at Kylian’s level, it’s up to you to chase goals, trophies, all that,” the Chelsea defender said.

“We, as players, want to help him with that, of course. As long as he is in charge of the team, we will take it, simply. We are happy for him.”

Messi has become the top scorer in the World Cup since he started his campaign by scoring a hat-trick against Algeria, bringing his tally to 19.

Second-placed Mbappe beats two players in history, aged 18, and has the next seven best players in the World Cup, England’s Harry Kane.

“I know math,” admitted the 27-year-old. “Everyone is talking about them and I am watching TV.

“I’m more focused on the opponents we may face and how close we are to our goal, which is the final.”

Standings for the 2026 World Cup golden boots

Here’s how they stand before England face DR Congo in the last 32. Players tied for goals are separated by assists.

France vs Sweden: World Cup rivals ‘unbeatable’

Bradley Barcola scored again and Michael Olise scored twice as France continued their impressive start to the finals, scoring 13 goals in four games.

“He did Michael’s stuff again tonight,” Gusto said of Olise, calling the Bayern striker “good”. “Michael has helped the team a lot, as always. We are proud to have this type of player.”

Coach Didier Deschamps returned after missing his side’s 4-1 win over Norway on matchday three following the death of his mother.

“I think Kylian did that to support the coach,” said Gusto, thinking of Mbappe’s hug to Deschamps after his first goal.

“It was a difficult time for him, so it was up to us to return the favor. We did that very well.”

France vs Paraguay: World Cup round of 16

France is in Philadelphia in the last 16 on Saturday where they will face Paraguay, who eliminated the German champions four times on penalties.

“We really shouldn’t think it’s going to be easy,” Gusto warned. “They were able to eliminate Germany.

“We know they have high quality, so it will be up to us to stay focused and work hard to get through.

“We don’t feel invincible. It would be reckless to say that, but we have confidence on our side. We know that the whole French community is behind us.”

World Cup 2026: When is France vs Paraguay?

This is where the game takes place in different locations. The winners will meet either Canada or Morocco in the quarterfinals in Boston on July 9 (21:00 BST).