Kylian Mbappé is doing what he does best: making history look routine. The French superstar bagged a brace in Les Bleus’ 3-0 demolition of Sweden in the World Cup knockout stage yesterday, pushing his tournament total to six goals and his career World Cup tally to 17. That leaves him just one shy of Lionel Messi’s all-time record of 18 goals—and at 27 years old, Mbappé has time—and talent—to obliterate it.
Mbappé’s latest masterclass came in a dominant France performance that had Sweden chasing shadows. His two strikes brought his World Cup career total to 17 in just three tournaments, a pace that makes Messi’s mark look vulnerable. “He’d already have the record if it weren’t for Messi and this is just his third World Cup,” noted analysts, highlighting how the Argentine legend’s heroics in the 2022 final—where he scored a hat-trick—are the only thing keeping Mbappé from the top spot.
A Record Within Reach
With France cruising through Group I—outscoring Senegal, Iraq, and Norway 10-2—Mbappé has been the focal point of an unstoppable attack. He scored four of those ten group-stage goals, and his two against Sweden only reinforced his status as the tournament’s Golden Boot frontrunner. Next up is Paraguay, a team that stunned Germany on penalties but faces a French side that looks destined for a deep run.
Even if Mbappé doesn’t surpass Messi in this World Cup, the math is simple: he’s likely to play two or three more tournaments, maybe four if he stays as durable as Messi. The record feels inevitable. France’s next match against Paraguay on Saturday offers another chance for Mbappé to close the gap—and perhaps take the lead.
Messi Still Has His Say
Of course, Messi isn’t done yet. Argentina faces Cape Verde in a game that could be a blowout, giving the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner ample opportunity to extend his record. If Argentina advances, a path through Australia or Egypt, then potentially Switzerland, Algeria, Colombia, or Ghana, means Messi could add significantly to his total. The race is far from over.
Mbappé’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. In 2018, he scored four goals en route to France’s title. In 2022, he netted eight—including that unforgettable hat-trick in the final—only to be denied by Messi’s brilliance. Now, with France looking like two-time defending champions in spirit if not in name, Mbappé is writing his own chapter.
For fans tracking the record chase, the crackdown on illegal streaming has made it easier to catch every moment legally. Meanwhile, the off-field drama continues: Micah Parsons’ return to Dallas for a World Cup match drew mixed reactions from Cowboys fans, a reminder that soccer’s global stage attracts attention from all corners of sports.
As Mbappé closes in on history, one thing is clear: the torch is being passed, but not without a fight. Messi may hold the record today, but Mbappé’s pace suggests it’s only a matter of time before he claims it for himself.
