One behind Messi! Mbappé equals four French legends with historic 19th World Cup goal

Kylian Mbappé moved to within one goal of Lionel Messi's all-time FIFA World Cup scoring record after converting the decisive penalty in France's 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the Round of 16 on Saturday.

The France captain calmly slotted home from the spot in the 65th minute after a VAR review awarded Les Bleus a penalty for a foul on Désiré Doué, breaking the deadlock and sealing France's place in the quarter-finals.

The strike was Mbappé's 19th World Cup goal in just 19 tournament appearances, leaving him only one behind Messi, who scored his 20th World Cup goal during Argentina's 3-2 victory over Cape Verde on Friday. 

Meanwhile, his World Cup tally of 19 goals equals the combined World Cup goal total of French greats Thierry Henry, Olivier Giroud, Zinedine Zidane and Karim Benzema.

Mbappé also drew level with Messi in the race for the 2026 World Cup Golden Boot, with both stars now on seven goals in the tournament. The France forward, however, holds the advantage in the race for the award with two assists compared to Messi's none.

Mbappé won the Golden Boot at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after finishing as the tournament's top scorer, although France were beaten by Argentina in a dramatic final.

Behind the two leaders, Erling Haaland of Norway and Harry Kane of England remain in contention with five goals each.

Under FIFA rules, if players finish level on goals, the Golden Boot is decided first by assists and then by the fewest minutes played.