EAST RUTHERFORD, JUNE 17: Kylian Mbappe renewed his remarkable relationship with the World Cup Tuesday as he scored twice in France's 3-1 win over Senegal, leaving him within touching distance of Lionel Messi as he bids to become the tournament's highest ever scorer.
The Real Madrid superstar notched his team's first goal at the MetLife Stadium, breaking the deadlock in the 66th minute from a superb Michael Olise pass.
After Bradley Barcola got France's second, and Ibrahim Mbaye pulled one back, Mbappe smashed in his second and his team's third goal in injury time to secure the points in the Group I encounter.
It was the perfect start to the World Cup for the side seen by many as the favourites, and the brace made Mbappe his country's all-time top scorer.
He began the day one goal behind Olivier Giroud, his teammate in France's victorious 2018 World Cup campaign, but is now one ahead of the former Arsenal striker on 58 goals from 99 caps.
"I am really pleased and very happy to make a little more history for my country," Mbappe said.
"It is something I always wanted to do, although we know why we are here, so I think I will have the time to think about all these things once I stop playing."
He added: "We want to keep writing the biggest page in the history of the French national team. We know the road is very long, but we are ready."
France have reached four finals in the last seven World Cups, including in each of the last two. �"AFP
