Mbappe Surpasses Messi and Pele in World Cup Scoring as France Begin Campaign with Win Over Senegal

June 2026 : France’s talismanic forward Kylian Mbappe added another remarkable chapter to his already glittering career on Tuesday, breaking multiple records as France defeated Senegal 3-1 in their opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The 27-year-old scored twice to overtake football legends Lionel Messi and Pele in World Cup goals and become France’s all-time leading scorer in international football.

Score:
France 3-1 Senegal
Goals: Kylian Mbappe (66’, 90+6’), [France scorer] — [Senegal scorer]

Mbappe’s two goals were his 13th and 14th in FIFA World Cup history, lifting him above Brazilian icon Pele and Argentine superstar Lionel Messi in the all-time tournament scoring charts. The brace also took his international tally to 58 goals for France, surpassing Olivier Giroud to become the highest goal-scorer in the history of the French national team.

The achievement further solidified Mbappe’s place among football’s all-time greats. Having made his World Cup debut in 2018, the French captain is now appearing in his third World Cup and continues to redefine expectations with every performance.

“I play to make history for my country and help my team win the World Cup,” Mbappe said after the match. He revealed that while scoring, he thought about his family, friends and supporters who have accompanied him throughout his journey.

France entered the tournament as one of the favourites alongside Spain, and Mbappe wasted little time in showcasing his intent. Although Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy denied him on several occasions—including early in the second half—the French captain remained persistent.

His breakthrough finally came in the 66th minute when he found the back of the net after sustained French pressure. Just moments after Senegal had reduced the deficit late in stoppage time, Mbappe struck again with a spectacular long-range effort in the sixth minute of added time, effectively sealing the victory for Les Bleus.

France defender William Saliba praised Mbappe’s response after Senegal’s goal.

“It was incredible. We had just conceded, and a minute later he scored an unbelievable goal. I was very happy. It was an amazing strike,” Saliba said.

Mbappe’s first goal moved him past Pele’s World Cup tally, while the second saw him overtake Messi and draw level with France’s legendary striker Just Fontaine. He celebrated one of his goals with a playful flute-playing gesture, reportedly inspired by comedian James Corden during a television appearance.

With 14 World Cup goals, Mbappe now stands level with Germany’s Gerd Muller and is just one goal behind Brazilian great Ronaldo Nazario. More significantly, he is only two goals away from equalling Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup record of 16 goals.

Saliba believes that record is well within reach.

“Of course, I think he has everything needed to break the World Cup record. I hope he does it in this tournament because he certainly has the ability,” he added.

France coach Didier Deschamps was equally impressed by Mbappe’s overall contribution, even before he scored.

“Even before the first goal, as captain and off the field, he does so much for the team,” Deschamps said through an interpreter. “Because of his extraordinary talent, he has global recognition. He is always a decisive player.”

Deschamps described Mbappe as an iconic figure in modern football while acknowledging that criticism inevitably comes with such stature. However, Mbappe appeared unfazed by outside opinions.

“Critics? It’s not about revenge,” he said. “If I started playing only to silence critics, I would have to play until I’m 80 years old.”

Mbappe’s World Cup pedigree is already extraordinary. He played a key role in France’s 2018 World Cup triumph and guided the team to the 2022 final, where he earned the Silver Ball as the tournament’s second-best player.

Now supported by rising star Desire Doue and reigning Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele, Mbappe leads a formidable French side with ambitions of lifting another World Cup trophy.

Midfielder Adrien Rabiot summed up the mood within the camp: “For him to become France’s all-time leading scorer is something special. It’s a huge achievement. We are happy for him and hope he continues in the same way throughout the tournament.”

As France pursue another world title, all eyes will remain on Mbappe—a player whose relentless pursuit of greatness continues to reshape football history.

Team Maverick