PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 04: Kylian Mbappe #10 of France celebrates scoring a penalty for the team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Paraguay and France at Philadelphia Stadium on July 04, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Mbappe pulls level with Messi in epic Golden Boot race at World Cup

Gianluca Nesci
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Dan Mullan / Getty Images Sport / Getty

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.

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The penalty was the only goal in France's 1-0 win.

Les Bleus will take on Morocco in the quarterfinals.

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