Kylian Mbappe (right) of France and Lionel Messi of Argentina before their 2026 World Cup matches. Photo: AFP

A remarkable pattern has emerged at the 2026 World Cup, with both Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi experiencing similar turns of events in their recent knockout stage games. Both football superstars missed crucial penalties, only to redeem themselves shortly after by scoring and providing assists that ultimately secured their teams' progression.

On 9/7, Mbappe played a pivotal role in France's 2-0 quarter-final victory over Morocco. The 1998-born forward had his penalty saved by goalkeeper Yassine Bono in the first half. However, he quickly made amends, opening the scoring with a curling shot in the 60th minute, then assisting Ousmane Dembele to seal the victory just 6 minutes later.

Two days earlier, Messi experienced a similar scenario. In Argentina's 3-2 win against Egypt in the round of 16, the Argentina captain missed a penalty when the score was 0-1 in favor of the African team. With his team trailing 0-2, Messi assisted Cristian Romero to reduce the deficit, then personally scored the equalizer, initiating the reigning champion's comeback.

The coincidences also extend to their statistics. Following these matches, Mbappe and Messi both have 8 goals at the 2026 World Cup, despite the French forward having played one more match. The two stars have also each contributed to 14 goals in World Cup knockout rounds, the highest achievement in the past 60 years.

Mbappe also set a new milestone, becoming the first player since 1966 to be involved in 10 goals across two different World Cup tournaments.

The French captain's performance garnered significant praise from FOX Sports experts after the match. Thierry Henry stated he could predict France's victory early on. "This is the kind of match where we just wait to see when the goal will come. It's only a matter of time," the former Arsenal forward remarked.

What particularly impressed Henry was France's ability to maintain pressure. They consistently blocked two to three counter-attacks before continuing to press their opponents.

Analyzing the opening goal, Henry noted that Mbappe once again demonstrated the class of a top forward. "I've seen Mbappe shoot through a defender's legs towards the near post many times," he added. "When opponents close their legs, he switches to a curling shot towards the far corner."

Kylian Mbappe celebrates France's opening goal in the 2026 World Cup quarter-final against Morocco at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, near Boston, US on 9/7. Photo: Reuters

Zlatan Ibrahimovic also believes France can play even better. "In the early stages, you can keep up with France due to excitement and physicality. But in the long run, they will destroy you. No team can keep up with France for 90 minutes," the former Swedish forward stated. "I have a feeling they haven't played to their full potential yet. Imagine if they truly had to accelerate."

When asked about Mbappe, Zlatan commented that the French captain's goal and assist highlight the difference between world-class and ordinary players.

Mbappe's brilliant goal against Morocco in the quarter-finals

Former US national team forward Alexi Lalas was impressed by Mbappe's reaction after missing the penalty. "He missed the penalty. But immediately after that, if you watched him, you'd see what Mbappe wanted most was to get the ball back," Lalas said. "He is still very hungry."

Immediately following Lalas's comments, host Rebecca Lowe mentioned the similarity with Messi. "Just like Messi the other day. He might miss a penalty, but he still ends up being the focal point of the match."

Highlights of Argentina's win over Egypt in the round of 16

Hoang An compiled