How Kylian Mbappé Broke a World Cup Scoring Record That Even Messi and Pelé Missed

Kylian Mbappé has once again gone out of the way and defied arguably the greatest football history. But, even if France lost in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final, with a score of 2-0 against Spain, their captain hit another hat trick, which neither Lionel Messi nor Pelé managed during their World Cup careers.

He did something historic and it has become one of the talking points for football fans worldwide, particularly in the Middle East, where they are debating France’s elimination and Mbappé’s leadership over the tournament.

Record Never Achieved Before

In the quarterfinals, Mbappé put Morocco away for good, moving onto his former fatherland for his second World Cup and making him the first to score eight or more goals in two distinct World Cup games.

He scored his first of his eight goals in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where he defeated everyone on his path to the Golden Boot. Four years later, at the 2026 editions of the event, he repeated the performance, further showing that his consistency on the largest of any football amphitheatre is second to none.

Not even Lionel Messi, Pelé, Ronaldo Nazário, Miroslav Klose or anyone through the years could match this level of goals in two World Cups.

Remarkable World Cup Career

Mbappé is already part of one of football’s greatest World Cup careers at the age of 27. After the 2026 semi-final, he converted into his 20th World Cup goal in just 21 appearances, a remarkable strike-rate which vied with the likes of Alfreda Donald, Bobbyogonal, Wesen and goalie Sergio Moreno as some of the tournament’s best goalscorers.

He has been magnificent against top world-class opposition and his two performances at a World Cup show he’s an attacking threat from distance who can finish deftly and has a genuine flair for control in the box.

France’s Semifinal Heartbreak

Mbappé had established himself as a new player for the world, but the loss against Spain was a bitter pill.

France had to battle fiercely for possession in the semi, and failed to dominate Spain’s midfield, but still came into the match as one of the favourites to pick up the trophy. Two men from Spain, Rodri and Fabián Ruiz, were at the helm of things whilst the French struggled to get going for an attacking rhythm in the game.

The loss put an end to Les Bleus’ dreams of getting to a World Cup final despite another stellar save from the group captain.

Mbappé Accepted Full Responsibility

After the defeat, Mbappé wouldn’t take a back pass. He admitted in his post-match interview that ultimately it was his responsibility as captain of the France team.

He said that people should be lauded as a result of success and held accountable if they fail to meet their goals. His words promptly made headlines around the globe and resonated with a lot of his fans, who were bitter about the defeat, but still greatly admired him.

France’s Tactical Approach

The semi more to the bone of contention in the tactical selection of France, under manager Didier Deschamps, anyway.

Mbappé pointed out that France’s fast press in the absence of some excellent midfielders was ineffective as they left too much space for Spain to drive through and take control.

Spain’s attacking abilities, which had been the hallmark of their actions so far in the group stages, were thwarted by their superior midfield organisation and balance, many analysts agreed.

Golden Boot Race Continues

Mbappé is still competing with Lionel Messi to win the Golden Boot in the World Cup, despite the Frenchman’s efforts being over.

His ability to score goals consistently in various competitions keeps him in the conversation for football’s all-time great forwards, and in the general rankings of all-time great players.

What Comes Next for Mbappé?

France’s downfall will surely lead to the question of the long-term of the national team, and that of the plans made by Didier Deschamps.

But Mbappé’s future is hugely bright. He has already won the World Cup, and is in contention for the Golden Boot, which is something that only a handful of players have managed to win and all of them have done so more than once and his career is still full of major competitions to be won.

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