Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland... Kylian Mbappé galvanised by the competition | OneFootball

After a storming start to the tournament, Kylian Mbappé is not the only player catching the eye. Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland and other stars are also delivering, sharpening the France captain's urge to leave his mark on this World Cup.

Le Progres notes that Mbappé has four goals in two matches, and seven in three outings if the 2022 final against Argentina is included (3-3 after extra time, 2-4 on penalties). He is operating at a ferocious World Cup scoring clip.

Yet someone has gone even better at this early stage. The evergreen Lionel Messi already has five goals in the United States, making him the competition's all-time leading scorer on 18, two clear of Mbappé, who is second alongside Miroslav Klose.

That benchmark raises the level for all involved. It also fuels Mbappé's competitive fire as he seeks to shape the narrative of this edition.

With heavyweights firing from the off, the early contest at the top of the scoring charts is fierce. The standard has been set, and Mbappé knows it.

Source: Le Progres