Kylian Mbappé equals Lionel Messi's record for non-penalty goals

Why it matters

Kylian Mbappé's tie with Lionel Messi for the number of non-penalty goals in the World Cup highlights the French striker's considerable impact on the world stage. With 20 goals in just 20 matches, Mbappé positions himself as one of the best scorers in the history of the competition, thus reinforcing his status as a football superstar in the run-up to the 2026 World Cup.

Context

Kylian Mbappé, present during the 2018, 2022 and 2026 editions, has already established impressive records, particularly in the knockout phase with 12 goals. His World Cup record now places him among the greatest, alongside Lionel Messi, as both players continue to redefine the standards of world football.

Key points

• Kylian Mbappé equals Lionel Messi's record for goals excluding penalties.
• Kylian Mbappé scored the record-equalling goal in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup: 17 goals excluding penalties in the World Cup, tied with Lionel Messi, and his 20th goal in all competitions in the World Cup.
• Kylian Mbappé Equals Lionel Messi's Record For Most Non-Penalty World Cup Goals | FOX Sports.

Kylian Mbappé struck again during the 2026 World Cup. Tuesday, at Boston Stadium, the French striker scored the goal which places him tied with Lionel Messi in the ranking of the best scorers “excluding penalties” in the history of the World Cup. His goal scored in the 60th minute against Morocco brings his total to 17 goals excluding penalties in the final stages, a figure previously held alone by the Argentinian.

This achievement also marks Mbappé's 20th goal in the World Cup, achieved in as many matches played in the competition - a record which makes him only the second player to cross the 20 goal mark in the World Cup, behind Lionel Messi. Present in the 2018, 2022 and 2026 editions, Mbappé confirms season after season his status as an exceptional scorer on the world stage.

Beyond this overall total, Mbappé holds another major record: with now 12 goals scored in the knockout phase of the World Cup, he holds the highest total ever recorded in this category. This statistic illustrates his ability to be decisive in high-intensity moments, when matches are played in a knockout manner.

Image

On a collective level, if the victory of the Blues in Boston is confirmed, France will qualify for a semi-final which will pit the winner of the Spain-Belgium duel, scheduled for Tuesday July 14 at Dallas Stadium. The next few days will be crucial for the French selection, which aims to extend its journey towards the final of the tournament.

Without making official statements or speculating about the future, the figures speak for themselves: Mbappé is continuing a historic trajectory in the World Cups. His ability to score in major competitions – already proven in previous editions – adds an impressive individual dimension to the Blues' campaign in 2026.

This equalization of Messi's record on non-penalty goals recalls the importance of comparisons between generations but also the singularity of the paths: Mbappé, at only 25-26 years old according to the tournament calendar, remains in a position to further exceed historical benchmarks if France continues its adventure in this World Cup.

Related image: photo of Kylian Mbappé celebrating his goal at Boston Stadium.

The rest

If France confirms its victory against Morocco, it will qualify for the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup, where it will face the winner of the match between Spain and Belgium. Mbappé's performances will be crucial for the Blues in their quest for their third world title, as the team continues to aim for the pinnacle of international football.

Frequently asked questions

What happened during the match between France and Morocco?

Kylian Mbappé scored a goal which placed him tied with Lionel Messi in the ranking of the best non-penalty scorers in the history of the World Cup.

Who confirmed that Mbappé equaled Messi's record?

The article indicates that Kylian Mbappé has equaled Lionel Messi's record, without mentioning official confirmation.

Why is it important that Mbappé has equaled this record now?

This is important because it underlines Mbappé's exceptional performance during the 2026 World Cup and his ability to score in crucial moments.

What changes took place in Mbappé's statistics after this match?

After this match, Mbappé reached a total of 20 World Cup goals and tied Messi with 17 non-penalty goals.

What are the next challenges for the French team after this victory?

After this victory, France aims to

qualify for a semi-final against the winner of the Spain-Belgium match.

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