Boston: Kylian Mbappe surpasses records, levels with Lionel Messi in World Cup achievements
Mbappe’s World Cup Record-Breaking Performance
Kylian Mbappe has continued his notable scoring run in the World Cup, contributing a goal for France in their 2-0 quarter-final victory against Morocco in Boston. Despite failing to convert an early penalty, his second-half strike brought him level with Lionel Messi for the most non-penalty goals in the tournament. Mbappe’s performances in North America have seen him break or equal several records.
The French captain’s goal against Morocco on Thursday marked his 17th non-penalty goal across all his World Cup appearances, matching Messi’s tally. This strike also increased his overall World Cup goal count to 20, placing him just one goal behind Messi on the all-time list.
National and Tournament Milestones
Mbappe needed only one World Cup appearance to become France’s all-time leading goal scorer. The Real Madrid forward surpassed Olivier Giroud after scoring against Senegal in France’s opening match of the tournament. He now stands alone with 64 goals for the French national side, while Giroud has 57. Thierry Henry is third with 51 goals, and Antoine Griezmann is fourth with 44.
Furthermore, Mbappe is now France’s top goal scorer in World Cups. His goal against Senegal was his 14th World Cup goal, exceeding Just Fontaine’s record of 13 goals, all of which were scored in the 1958 World Cup. He has since added six more goals, further extending his lead in this category.
Mbappe’s first goal against Sweden also established him as the leading goal scorer in World Cup knockout matches, moving him past Brazilian players Leonidas and Ronaldo. He scored again against Sweden, followed by goals against Paraguay and Morocco, bringing his total to 12 World Cup knockout goals.
Goal Contributions and Appearances
Mbappe’s assist for Ousmane Dembele’s goal against Morocco set another record, making him the first player to achieve 11 direct goal contributions in two different World Cups. He had previously reached double figures at the Qatar World Cup 2022 with eight goals and two assists, and has improved upon these figures in the current tournament. This achievement of 10 or more contributions in two separate tournaments is a first since records began in 1966.
Mbappe has also become a joint record holder for the most appearances for France in World Cup finals, matching Hugo Lloris with 20 appearances. He is the youngest player to reach this milestone. With Mbappe expected to feature in the semi-finals, this record is likely to be surpassed in the coming week.
In the match against Morocco, Mbappe’s penalty attempt was saved by goalkeeper Yassine Bounou after a lengthy VAR check. Despite this, he later scored with a curled shot from the edge of the box. He also provided an assist for Dembele’s goal, securing France’s 2-0 victory. After the match, Mbappe was seen with an ice pack on his right foot, which appeared to be a precautionary measure rather than an indication of a serious injury, as he celebrated after the final whistle.
Morocco, who were Africa’s first semi-finalists in 2022, have now become its first back-to-back quarter-finalists. However, France, led by Mbappe, continues its pursuit of further historical achievements in the tournament.
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Source: aljazeera.com
Reuben Castle is the Sports News Writer at News GB, covering rugby union, golf and boxing with six years of reporting experience. He moved from print into digital sport news. He holds a degree in Journalism from Coventry University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Coventry, he follows the Open Championship and amateur boxing. “Accuracy first; the analysis can follow.”
