Kylian Mbappe Draws Level With Lionel Messi in World Cup Knockout Goal Contributions

Kylian Mbappe has drawn level with Lionel Messi for the most goal contributions in FIFA World Cup knockout matches over the last 60 years.

The French star scored once and provided an assist in his side's 2-0 quarter-final win over Morocco, taking his total to 14 goal contributions in World Cup knockout games. The victory also sent France into the World Cup semi-finals for the third tournament in a row.

Mbappe scored his 20th World Cup goal and his eighth of the 2026 tournament, moving level with Messi in overall World Cup knockout goal contributions while keeping France's title hopes alive.

He opened the scoring in the 60th minute with a brilliant curling finish. Six minutes later, Mbappe turned provider by setting up Ousmane Dembele, who calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner to make it 2-0.

With eight goals in the tournament, Mbappe also moved to the top of the Golden Boot race, edging ahead of Messi on the assist tiebreaker.

The French forward has now registered 11 goal contributions at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the most by any player in a single edition since Gerd Müller recorded 13 in 1970. He is also the first player since 1966 to record 10 or more goal contributions in two different FIFA World Cup editions.