After the 2026 FIFA World Cup third-place play-off, where France lost 4-6 to England, France striker Mbappe spoke to the media.
After answering questions from reporters, Mbappe also hugged England coach Tuchel.
Kilian, how are you feeling after everything that just happened?
I don't know. I think this game presented two completely different halves. In the first half, I can understand why some people might feel we were joking around, or even disrespecting the jersey. I'd rather say that we were too much like "ordinary people" then, and unfortunately, in this position, we can't allow ourselves to be so mediocre. We were completely stunned then, and only later were we fully awakened.
In the second half, we regained our status as top players, turning into mentally strong machines, shedding all emotions. We did what we had to do, won the second half, but ultimately couldn't change the outcome. I think this is especially regrettable for the coach; we wanted to win this game for him. Unfortunately, our performance in the first half made it feel like we let him down, and that's absolutely not the attitude we wanted to convey. But that's football. We have to thank the coach for everything he's done, because this one game will never erase Didier Deschamps' legendary status. "
If there's one positive tonight – and there is one – it's that you became the all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history tonight. At least for the next 24 hours, because you're currently one goal ahead of Messi. We'll have to wait for the results of tomorrow's final. But on an emotional and personal goal level, what does this mean to you? Everything you've achieved is simply incredible.
As I said, Messi has been scoring, and he will definitely score tomorrow, there's no doubt about it. I just try to help the team by scoring goals in every game. Of course, scoring so many goals in the FIFA World Cup really puts you in a special place. But I'd rather not be the all-time leading scorer and instead play in tomorrow's final. I think it has meaning for one's personal historical status, and when we look back after retirement, we can see that we were a part of it. But today, that's not what's foremost in my mind.
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Woycenopuy
255
What a word for him. At least he showed Messi that respect he deserved
Yohabi1
131
Mbappe is saying the truth. The most important record is to win the World Cup and you need to get to the final to do so. Second, team achievements and better than individual or personal achievements do getting to the final is more important than him scoring a dozen goals in the formality 3rd place match. Even if Messi doesn't score and Argentina don't win the world cup, playing in the final is more important than achieving anything in a match between the two best failures.
iceyez
39
The King Mbappe👑 The other guy is a cheater
malablata
9
The hug was before he answered the questions from the reporter. Also, Thomas Tuchel is his former coach at PSG.
Immaculate003
7
It will be hard for Messi to win it. Spain has only conceded a goal so far, against Belgium, in this tournament. It shows their defensive discipline. However, football is funny. No one expected 10 goals yesterday, but here we are. I am pretty sure that Messi will prioritise winning the World cup over individual awards at this stage just as Mbappe himself stated.
AFersoKI1753
8
What a word for him. At least he showed Messi that respect he deserved
Mbappe is an amazing person. If this was asked to Ronald Ronald will say at least we won the euros 🤣
Dihaciknyz
7
Cristiano want to celebrate 1k goals but he will never have any goal scored in semi or final of the biggest football event, the world cup. Their is difference between Quality and quantity, 1k quantity goals. In the last 2 world cup Messi has scored in all stages of the world cup that is QUALITY GOAL and not quantity 1k goal that Messi will soon wipe off.