Lionel Messi has won one World Cup. He won it in 2022. Kylian Mbappe has also won one World Cup. He won it in 2018. This fact frames the central question of the 2026 tournament: who will secure a second title and claim a definitive edge in the quest for immortality?
The 2026 World Cup is already being framed as a potential rematch. The Athletic’s narrative of a “quest for World Cup immortality” hinges on a second final between Argentina and France. A second consecutive final between these two players would be unprecedented in modern football history. It would directly redefine greatness.
Messi’s journey is defined by persistence. He finished as runner-up in 2014. He finally triumphed in 2022. That victory solidified his status as the greatest of all time for many observers. A second title in 2026, especially against Mbappe again, would create a legacy without parallel. He currently has 13 World Cup goals.
Mbappe’s trajectory is one of rapid ascent. His 2018 title came at age 19. He scored a hat-trick in the 2022 final loss. He currently has 12 World Cup goals. He is the heir apparent. The Athletic’s “immortality” angle applies directly to him: surpassing Messi’s trophy count and goal records would cement his own legend.
The goal race is a subplot with historical weight. Miroslav Klose holds the all-time World Cup scoring record with 16 goals. Messi and Mbappe are both within striking distance. A 2026 campaign could see either player break that record. The SoyFutbol analysis of their “epic goal race” points to efficiency and iconic moments as the true measure.
MensXP speculates on the Argentina vs France final. The narrative is too perfect: Messi’s last dance versus Mbappe’s prime. A second consecutive World Cup final between them would be unprecedented. It would create a direct head-to-head comparison that transcends trophies alone.
Enter the spoiler. Erling Haaland is the wildcard. Norway’s qualification is not guaranteed. But if they reach the tournament, Haaland’s goal-scoring prowess could derail any planned narrative. His presence adds a layer of unpredictability that the MensXP article correctly identifies as a potential disruption.
The debate over greatness is now concrete. Does winning a second World Cup outweigh individual records? Messi vs Mbappe in the 2022 final created a direct comparison. The potential 2026 rematch would be a second data point. The Athletic’s “immortality” concept is defined by these epic clashes, not by statistics alone.
The countdown to 2026 is underway. Messi has the chance to double his World Cup count. Mbappe has the chance to surpass him. The goal race could rewrite the record books. The question “how many world cups has messi won” remains the ultimate benchmark for measuring this era. The qualifying campaigns will determine if the rematch happens.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: How many World Cups has Messi won?
- A: Lionel Messi has won one World Cup, which he secured in 2022 with Argentina.
- Q: How many World Cups has Mbappe won?
- A: Kylian Mbappe has won one World Cup, which he won in 2018 with France.
- Q: Could Messi and Mbappe face off again in the 2026 World Cup final?
- A: Yes, a rematch between Argentina and France is a strong possibility, which would be an unprecedented second consecutive final between the two players.
- Q: Who holds the all-time World Cup goal record?
- A: Miroslav Klose holds the record with 16 goals, but both Messi (13 goals) and Mbappe (12 goals) are within striking distance.
Extended Reading
For further analysis on the legacy stakes, refer to The Athletic’s coverage of the “quest for World Cup immortality.” MensXP’s breakdown of the potential spoiler role of Erling Haaland provides context for the tournament’s unpredictability.