The 2022 FIFA World Cup might be a send-off for Lionel Messi at the biggest tournament in sports.
But Kylian Mbappé continues to remind people he’s an otherworldly talent and has no intentions of slowing down.
The 23-year-old French sensation bagged two goals in a 3-1 win for France over Poland to advance to the quarterfinals, awaiting the winner of England-Senegal. With two more goals, Mbappé already has five this tournament to go with two assists and leads the Golden Boot race.
France was locked in a 1-0 lead against a scrappy Polish side almost 75 minutes in before Mbappé slammed the door shut and took a sizable lead in the race for the Golden Ball — the World Cup MVP award.
Mbappé showed his world-class finishing ability with a precise, screaming shot past the Poland goalkeeper to go up 2-0. For good measure, Mbappè found himself in the same spot as his first goal and beat the ‘keeper with an exquisite curler into the top corner.
Just listen to the reaction of the crowd to understand the pull Mbappé has on the world of soccer. In a game where Olivier Giroud set the French career goals record, Mbappé was the dominant storyline.
It was only a matter of time 🔥
Mbappé makes it 2-0 for France 🎯 pic.twitter.com/1vA2MFjR82
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 4, 2022
MBAPPE IS UNREAL
He scores his FIFTH goal of the 2022 FIFA World Cup 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ZevekmF47V
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 4, 2022
Oh, and about Messi and his generational competitor Cristiano Ronaldo, Mbappé is already tied with Messi and one ahead of Ronaldo with nine career World Cup goals. The all-time record is 16 goals. Mbappé is just three goals shy of former Brazilian star and one of the world’s greatest, Pelé.
Having won the World Cup at age 19 and probably having three more World Cups in his career for Les Bleus after this one, it’s insane to think how much Mbappé can accomplish at this stage.
The Paris Saint-Germain superstar’s talent captivated the soccer world again on Sunday.
Kylian Mbappé.
9 World Cup goals in 2 editions.
More than legends as Diego Maradona, Cristiano Ronaldo, Suárez, Neymar, Thierry Henry, Rivaldo, Kempes… and more.
Same goals as Lionel Messi — but 3 World Cups less than the Argentinian star.
…and still counting. He’s 23. pic.twitter.com/YnEJDMHzj3
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 4, 2022
Best player in the world pic.twitter.com/g93BhPKkXT
— Joe Thomlinson (@joethomlinson) December 4, 2022
mbappe is better than messi.
— Speed⭐️ (@ishowspeedsui) December 4, 2022
Feels like I've been saying "…and he's only 23 years old" about Mbappé since like 2017
— Hanif Abdurraqib (@NifMuhammad) December 4, 2022
Kylian Mbappe is the reason France will win this World Cup again.
The guy is unreal 🔥🔥🔥
— Ibukun Aluko (@IbkSports) December 4, 2022