Mbappe keeps Messi at bay as France crush Iraq in weather-hit World Cup clash

On the day Lionel Messi wrote his name in World Cup history, Kylian Mbappe showed why he is the biggest contender for the Argentine maestro’s throne this year. While Messi became the World Cup’s top scorer, Mbappe grabbed a brace to help France beat Iraq 3-0 in a game affected by adverse weather conditions.

The 2022 finalists advanced to the round of 32 with victory as Mbappe moved to 16th at the World Cup, just two behind Messi. The game was suspended for two hours and 21 minutes after a thunderstorm sent players and the crowd sheltering in the rain at Lincoln Financial Field on Monday.

Mbappe opened the scoring in the 14th minute and then added another in the second half before Ousmane Dembele wrapped things up with a fine strike in the 66th minute.

More to follow…..

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Published on:

Jun 23, 2026 06:32 IST