France international Kylian Mbappe has surpassed a record previously held by Argentina legend Lionel Messi and Brazil great Pele. The Real Madrid forward scored twice as France defeated Senegal 3-1 in their opening Group I match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday, June 16, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Mbappe's Brace Lifts France
Mbappe broke the deadlock in the 66th minute, darting into the penalty area to convert a superb pass from Michael Olise after France had struggled in the first half. Substitute Bradley Barcola doubled Les Bleus' advantage in the 82nd minute before Senegal's Ibrahim Mbaye pulled one back in the fifth minute of stoppage time. However, Mbappe had the final say, unleashing a powerful long-range strike in the 96th minute to seal the victory.
Historic Milestones
The brace took Mbappe's international tally to 58 goals, making him France's all-time leading scorer. At the World Cup, his 14 goals surpassed Pele (12), Messi (13), and fellow Frenchman Just Fontaine (13). Mbappe is now level with German great Gerd Muller and trails only Brazil's Ronaldo Nazario (15) and Germany's Miroslav Klose (16) on the all-time World Cup scoring chart.
World Cup Legacy
The 27-year-old continues his remarkable love affair with the World Cup. He scored in the 2018 final as France lifted the trophy in Russia and produced a memorable hat-trick in the 2022 final against Argentina, although Les Bleus ultimately lost on penalties in Qatar.
Fan Reactions
Fans reacted enthusiastically to Mbappe's feat. @Benzonkartelrec said: 'KYLIAN MBAPPE IS AT THE PRIME CRISTIANO RONALDO & LIONEL MESSI. LIKE WHAT A BANGERS GOALS.' @Dare_Ekitiman wrote: 'Kylian Mbappe would be remembered as one of the greatest players to ever play in the World. He's still young and he's broken Lionel Messi and Pele records.' @Chelsea_2580 added: 'The record breaker, the new king of the world cup with 14goals and counting, man is on fire, goals na water where Mbappe they, what a sumptuous strike for the second golazo, you are definitely going places king!! So happy for you my man, unto the next one.'
