Mamayev points out "Mbappe has a chance to break Messi's record - Haaland is a legend." Analysis of the 2026 World Cup top scorer battle.

Pavel Mamayev, former Russian champion with CSKA, expressed his thoughts on the 2026 World Cup top scorer battle after the second group stage ended on the night of June 22, which had three important results: France national team beat Iraq national team 3-0, Norway national team beat Senegal national team 3-2 and Argentina national team beat Austria national team 2-0. In those three matches, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland scored two goals each. Messi missed a penalty early in the first half. But it also increased the total number of goals scored in the World Cup finals to 18, making it the best record in history. While Mbappe has scored a total of 16 goals and Haaland, who is playing in his first World Cup, has scored 4 goals in 2 matches. Mamayev pointed out. The rivalry with Messi continues to push Mbappe to a higher level. And it is believed that the French offensive line has a chance to break Messi's record. Because there are still many opportunities to play in big tournaments. and suggested that Messi should maintain his record by scoring as many more goals as possible. Overall, Messi has had a positive influence on the national team. It is different from the criticism that has been made against Cristiano Ronaldo. Talking about Messi's penalty Mamaev analyzed that The interval shooting style allows the goalkeeper to wait until the final second. And the shooter may easily make a wrong decision. Which is what happened at that moment. As for the France vs. Iraq game, he saw that a small mistake in Iraq's backline became a turning point until they conceded two goals. And it's a detail that coaches need to fix quickly. For Haaland Mamayev is considered a legendary player. Compare his goalscoring performance per year to Mbappe's level. And sees him as important to the Norwegian national team as Messi is to Argentina. The 2026 World Cup takes place in the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, with the reigning champions Argentina. --- ## Related Articles 1. [ਸੁਵਰਣ ਬੂਟ ਦੀ ਦੌੜ - ਅੰਤ ਵਿੱਚ ਕੌਣ ਨਿਕਲਣਗੇ ਜਿੱਤ ਕੇ?](https://khidarikhabran.com/khabran/--142) 2. [Mundial 2026](https://verrikalam.com/ta/news/fifa-2026-76-)