Mbappe sets World Cup record despite defeat to Argentina

Kylian Mbappe took his tally of World Cup final goals to a record four with a hat-trick on Sunday as France drew 3-3 with Argentina before being beaten on penalties.

It was only the second ever treble in a men’s World Cup final, matching England striker Sir Geoff Hurst in 1966, and here, the Football Mad looks at each of the efforts from the 23-year-old Paris St Germain forward over the last two finals.

2018 World Cup

Mbappe celebrates after scoring in the 2018 final (Aaron Chown/PA)

Mbappe, then aged 19, registered the last of France’s goals – and his fourth of the tournament – in the 4-2 triumph over Croatia that saw them claim the trophy in Russia. He struck in the 65th minute at the Luzhniki Stadium to put Les Bleus 4-1 up, firing a low effort from distance past Danijel Subasic. It made him the first teenager to score in a World Cup final since a 17-year-old Pele did so for Brazil in 1958.

2022 World Cup – first goal

Mbappe scores his first penalty in Sunday’s clash with Argentina (Adam Davy/PA)

Having gone into Sunday’s showdown at Lusail Stadium with five goals already to his name for the tournament, Mbappe was presented with the chance to add another – and give France a lifeline at 2-0 down – when Polish referee Szymon Marciniak judged Nicolas Otamendi to have pulled back Randal Kolo Muani in the box and awarded a penalty with around 10 minutes of normal time remaining. The resulting effort from 12 yards squeezed past Emiliano Martinez, who guessed the right way but could not stop the ball going in.

2022 World Cup – second goal

Mbappe brings things level at 2-2 at Lusail Stadium (Adam Davy/PA)

Moments later, France were level, with Mbappe the man on the scoresheet once again. After the ball was worked from Kingsley Coman to Adrien Rabiot, Mbappe played a one-two with Marcus Thuram and cracked the ball into the net, sending the match into extra time.

2022 World Cup – third goal

Many congratulations to Mbappe, whatever happens. I've had a great run!
— Sir Geoff Hurst (@TheGeoffHurst) December 18, 2022

Mbappe then completed his incredible treble by providing another equaliser with only two minutes left in the additional period, again scoring from the spot to pip Lionel Messi to the Golden Boot. Gonzalo Montiel was penalised for a handball, and Mbappe converted in emphatic fashion.

He went on to beat Martinez again in the subsequent shoot-out but ended up on the losing side as Argentina prevailed 4-2.