Kylian Mbappé continued his relentless pursuit of World Cup history on Sunday, scoring a stunning penalty kick to lead France to a 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the Round of 16.
The strike, his seventh of the 2026 tournament, brought Mbappé’s career World Cup tally to 19 goals in just 19 appearances, moving him within striking distance of Lionel Messi’s record of 20.
Mbappe converted the spot-kick in the 70th minute after VAR confirmed a foul on Désiré Doué, sending Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill the wrong way. The goal broke a stubborn deadlock as Paraguay defended resolutely in the sweltering conditions at Lincoln Financial Field.
Kylian Mbappe moves within one goal of Lionel Messi's all-time World Cup record
At 27 years old and with multiple tournaments still ahead of him, the French superstar is closing in fast on the Argentine legend, who set the record during his sixth and likely final World Cup. Mbappé has already matched Messi’s 2026 goal tally at seven, intensifying the Golden Boot race.
Meanwhile, following the win, France has now become the second nation to book its spot in the quarter-finals of the World Cup. They will face Morocco, who are coming off a 3-0 victory over co-hosts Canada.
As France now advances to the last eight, Mbappé will have another chance to equal or surpass the record that has stood as a benchmark of international excellence. Whether he overtakes Messi in this tournament or the next, one thing is clear: the torch is being passed in real time.
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