Photo Credit: Getty Images
Kylian Mbappé of France scored two goals on Monday to reach 16 for his World Cup career, moving into a tie for second most in tournament history as he tries to keep pace with new record holder Lionel Messi.
“If I want to keep up with what Leo is doing,” Mbappé said after France beat Iraq 3-0 to reach the knockout stage, “I’ll have to do even more.”
France is counting on it as Mbappé tries to lead Les Bleus to their second World Cup title in the last three tournaments. Mbappé would consider it a bonus if he could win it all and pass Messi for the World Cup goals record.
The 27-year-old Mbappé is 11 years younger than Messi and should have at least two or three more World Cups to secure the record — at least until the next young superstar comes around to challenge him.
“He’s here to score goals and that’s something he’s been doing,” France coach Didier Deschamps said. “He’s somebody that has a worldwide aura.”
