Messi vs Mbappé: The Epic Rivalry Returns – Will 2026 Be a 2022 Rematch?
Four years after their unforgettable clash in the 2022 World Cup final, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé are once again stealing the spotlight at the 2026 tournament. The football world is buzzing with one question: can history repeat itself, or will the torch finally pass?
Messi, now 38 and likely in his final World Cup, continues to defy age with record-breaking performances. The Argentine legend has already surged to the top of the all-time World Cup goalscorers list, showcasing the same genius that led Argentina to glory in Qatar. Meanwhile, Mbappé — the young superstar who scored a hat-trick in that 2022 final — is in his prime, leading France’s charge with clinical finishing and electric pace.
On The Rest is Football, Gary Lineker, Joe Cole, and Harry Maguire dissected the rivalry, wondering if we’re heading toward another Messi-Mbappé showdown that defines the tournament. Messi’s experience and leadership give Argentina an edge in big moments, but Mbappé’s explosive form and France’s depth make Les Bleus perennial favorites.
Both players have started the group stage strongly, reminding fans why they remain two of the game’s brightest stars. While Messi chases legacy and a potential send-off for the ages, Mbappé aims to claim the throne as the new king of world football.
Whether they meet again in the knockout stages or not, their individual brilliance ensures this World Cup will be another chapter in one of modern football’s greatest rivalries. The stage is set in North America — and the football world is watching.
