---
title: "Mbappe vs Messi: The Battle for the 'Golden Boot' in the Match Nobody Wanted"
description: "French media admit: national team players didn't want to play the match for 3rd place 🇫🇷😔. But Kylian Mbappe has a compelling reason to step onto the pitch — he trails Messi by just one goal in World Cup history! ⚽️🏆"
date: 2026-07-16T15:25:09.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/mbappe-vs-messi-battle-for-golden-boot-in-match-nobody-wanted
tags: [mbappe, messi, fifa-world-cup, thomas-tuchel, france-football]
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Mbappe vs Messi: The Battle for the 'Golden Boot' in the Match Nobody Wanted

![Kylian Mbappé in France’s blue jersey with hand on forehead, expressing frustration or tension during the Golden Boot showdown against Messi](https://xab.info/media/2026/07/16/mbappe-messi-match-for-third-place-world-cup/mbappe-messi-match-for-third-place-world-cup-1.webp)

The match for third place at the World Cup is traditionally considered the least anticipated event of the tournament. However, in the upcoming encounter between the French and English national teams, the stakes are not just about the bronze medal, but a historic achievement in the race for the top scorer title.

French media are not hiding the mood within the "tricolours" camp. The leading sports newspaper L'Equipe published an article with a headline reflecting skepticism: "Who actually wants to play this World Cup match?". According to the publication, the team's morale was shaken after their semi-final exit.

The situation in the locker room is described as extremely difficult. Sources close to the team report that players are eager to leave the United States. Even the team leader, Kylian Mbappe, reportedly considered taking a break and starting something new, rather than stepping onto the pitch for the third-place match.

### Confirmation from opponents

The assessment of the situation by French journalists found resonance with the head coach of the England national team, Thomas Tuchel. In an interview after the defeat against Argentina, the German specialist confirmed that motivation on both sides was low.

"Nobody wanted to play this game, not even the French players. Like us, they also wanted to reach the final, and we did everything possible to achieve that," Tuchel stated. Despite this, he promised professional preparation for the match, although he admitted that the English would have one day less rest compared to the French.

### Historical context and FIFA's stance

Despite the players' lack of desire, FIFA intends to hold the match. In the past, many authoritative figures in football, including Louis van Gaal, have called for the abolition of this "meaningless" match. UEFA, for example, became a pioneer in abandoning the third-place playoff as early as Euro 1984.

However, the international federation adheres to the position that the place in the tournament table between the two semi-finalists must be clearly defined. Unlike continental tournaments, the World Cup maintains this tradition.

### Personal battle: Mbappe and Messi

It is precisely in this match that the main intrigue lies, which might make players forget their reluctance to play. The encounter holds huge personal significance for Kylian Mbappe, who is in a fierce battle with Lionel Messi for the title of top scorer.

Looking at the statistics, the Argentine is the top scorer in World Cup history with 21 goals. The Frenchman trails by just one goal. Thus, the result of the match on April 19 could change the history of world football and determine who becomes the absolute record holder in the race for the "Golden Boot".