Kylian Mbappe isn't letting Lionel Messi pull away in the Golden Boot race.
The French superstar opened the scoring in Les Bleus' last-16 match against Paraguay on Saturday, calmly slotting home a penalty in the second half that was awarded after a VAR review for a foul on Desire Doue.
Mbappe moved level again with ex-teammate Messi for the tournament scoring lead, as both stars now have seven goals this summer. Mbappe owns the tiebreaker at the moment having recorded more assists so far.
Mbappe has 19 career goals in as many World Cup appearances, one shy of Messi's all-time World Cup record.
For viewers in U.S. only:
MBAPPÉ GIVES FRANCE THE LEAD 🇫🇷
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 4, 2026
The French captain is clinical on the PK for his 19th FIFA World Cup goal pic.twitter.com/Y2y4KsNiz5
For viewers in Canada only:
KYLIAN MBAPPÉ PUTS HOME THE PENALTY AND IT'S 1-0! 🇫🇷 #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/rZxg2nkGwR
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) July 4, 2026
The penalty was the only goal in France's 1-0 win.
Les Bleus will take on Morocco in the quarterfinals.
