June 22 served up a classic double bill. Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé both posted a 9.2 Sofascore Rating and headlined our World Cup 2026 Team of the Day. Messi’s brace pushed him to 18 World Cup goals, the new all‑time record. Mbappé also struck twice to reach 16, moving into second place on the all‑time list alongside Miroslav Klose. Around them, a balanced XI mixed star power with hard‑working performances backed by clear numbers from Sofascore.

Messi and Mbappé share top billing

Messi’s all‑action display came with 7 shots, 4 on target and 1 big chance created that stuck in memory. His expected goals sat at 1.51, with xGOT at 1.25, a tidy return for two goals. In possession he was busy and precise, making 30/40 passes at 75% and providing 2 key passes with 0.24 xA. He completed 3 of 4 dribbles and drew 4 fouls, constantly tilting the pitch. The Argentine had 71 touches and carried the ball 258.4 m, including several progressive bursts. His longest progressive carry stretched close to 43 m, a reminder that he still glides past lines when it matters. It was the kind of complete performance that fits an all‑time scoring leader.

Mbappé matched the 9.2 Sofascore Rating with a ruthless shot profile: 8 attempts, 3 on target and 1 big chance missed, for 1.23 xG and 1.10 xGOT. His movement kept defenders guessing, popping up across the box and attacking both posts. Beyond the finishing, he logged 59 touches, 16 carries and 6 progressive carries. Total ball progression reached 148.1 m, including a longest progressive carry of 31.8 m. He attempted 4 dribbles, completing 2, and still found time to draw contact and threaten in behind. With those two goals, he climbed to 16 World Cup strikes, now level with Miroslav Klose and behind only Messi.

Wide threats and creative sparks: Dembélé, Olise and Ismaïla Sarr

France’s Ousmane Dembélé brought end product and chance creation in equal measure. He scored once, assisted once and supplied 3 key passes, all while completing 3 successful dribbles. His pace kept the block stretched, but his timing on the final ball is what opened the door. On a day full of elite finishing, he earned an 8.7 Sofascore Rating for smart, efficient decision‑making in the final third.

Michael Olise matched that creative standard from the other side. Two assists tell most of the story, though the deeper layer is 3 key passes and 3 successful dribbles that repeatedly broke pressure. He linked midfield to attack with calm touches and quick give‑and‑go sequences. With France humming, his 8.0 Sofascore Rating felt fully earned by the volume and value of his actions.

Senegal’s Ismaïla Sarr also lands here after a brace in defeat. He fired 6 shots, posted 1.21 xG and constantly attacked the inside channel. Even without the points, the output was high‑level wing play built on direct runs and early shooting windows. His 8.2 Sofascore Rating reflects how often he put defenders on the back foot and forced saves.

Backline standouts: Alaba, Upamecano and Niakhaté

David Alaba showed why elite defenders change games without scoring. He produced a goal‑line clearance and a last‑man tackle, the two biggest defensive moments of Austria’s day. In buildup, Alaba completed 44/47 passes and drove the team upfield with repeated progressive carries. The blend of emergency defending and composure in possession brought a 7.9 Sofascore Rating and a lot of calm to an intense match.

Dayot Upamecano turned a dominant passing night into territorial gains. He finished 75/78 on passes for 96% accuracy and created one big chance, stacking up 0.32 xA from deep. Add 167.8 m of total progression with the ball and you get a defender who advanced France’s entire structure. His 8.1 Sofascore Rating captured both the control and the threat he added from the back line.

Moussa Niakhaté quietly had one of the cleanest defensive shifts of the round. He won 7/7 ground duels and 3/4 in the air, staying firm under pressure. The numbers underline a near‑perfect duel record and sharp anticipation. Senegal didn’t get the result, but Niakhaté’s 8.1 Sofascore Rating shows how complete his individual performance was.

The anchor and the wall: Seiwald and Abu Laila

Nicolas Seiwald ran Austria’s midfield with near‑flawless distribution. He went 44/45 on passes, won all 3 of his ground duels and even contributed a goal‑line clearance. His positioning cut off counters and kept second balls in red shirts. The 7.7 Sofascore Rating reflects a pure controlling midfielder’s night: simple, press‑resistant and constantly in the right pocket.

In goal, Y. Abu Laila earned best goalkeeper honors for the day. Jordan didn’t take points against Algeria, but his shot‑stopping kept them alive deep into the match. He made 6 saves, 3 from shots inside the box, and posted Goals Prevented at +0.09. Reflex stops, tidy handling and sharp early positioning stood out. It was an efficient, compact display that fully justified his 7.7 Sofascore Rating.

Haaland leads the line

Erling Haaland rounds out the XI as the focal No. 9. He scored twice from 5 shots, bullied the last line and found pockets early in transitions. There was one big chance missed, but his overall movement created repeatable looks and constant stress for defenders. His hold‑up play brought runners into the game and freed space for late arrivals. It all added up to an 8.4 Sofascore Rating and a day that looked very much like tournament‑mode Haaland.

What it means for the World Cup picture

With Argentina and France both in commanding group positions, their stars are setting the early tone. Messi sits atop the World Cup all‑time scoring chart with 18, while Mbappé is now at 16 and rising. Around them, reliable structures matter: France’s back line passed through pressure cleanly, while Austria leaned on Alaba and Seiwald to manage game state. On Sofascore, those smaller details show up in chance creation, progression and duel numbers, not just goals. If this is the rhythm of June 22, the knockout rounds are going to be very unforgiving for teams that switch off for even a few minutes.