Bibhash Lodh, BS News Agency: The 2026 World Cup is witnessing an epic battle in the football world. Kylian Mbappe is desperate to share in Lionel Messi's long-standing reign. The French star has emerged as another devastating figure as soon as he arrives at the World Cup, and this season he has been addicted to scoring goals. By scoring a brace against Sweden last night in New Jersey, he not only ensured the team's victory, but also took his position to a unique height in the history of the World Cup. The 27-year-old forward has scored 6 goals in just 4 matches so far in this season. After scoring braces against Senegal and Iraq in the group stage, he once again proved by putting the ball in the Swedish net that he has proven himself by handling the pressure of the big stage. He has scored a total of 18 goals in the history of the World Cup so far. With this, Mbappe has surpassed German legend Miroslav Klose to reach second place on the list. However, Mbappe's skills are even more astonishing in terms of statistics. While Argentine superstar Lionel Messi played 26 matches to score 19 goals on the World Cup stage, Mbappe has reached the milestone of 18 goals in just 18 matches. Mbappe's hot breath is now right on the neck of Messi, who is known as the World Cup goal machine.
This duel between Messi and Mbappe in the current World Cup is no longer just a personal battle, but has taken the form of a new turning point in history.
The entire football world is now waiting to see how much Mbappe can maintain his goal streak in the remaining matches of the tournament, and whether he can surpass Messi and wear a new record.