FIFA WC: Mbappe outshines Messi as France enters quarter-finals

<p>Moscow [Russia], June 30 (ANI) Kylian Mbappe's double blow at an interval of just four minutes brought Lionel Messi-led Argentina down in tears as the world favourite were beaten by France 4-3 in a classic round of 16 encounter of the ongoing 21st edition of the FIFA World Cup at the Kazan Arena on Saturday.</p><p>Mbappe, 19, was in a devastating form in the heavyweight clash, scoring two second-half goals in the 64th and the 68th minute respectively.</p><p>Not just that, the Paris Saint-Germain forward's surging 70-yard burst also led to the opening goal after 13 minutes, when Antoine Griezmann slotted home a penalty spot after Mbappe had been hauled down by Marcos Rojo in the area.</p><p>However, Argentina turned the game around thanks to Angel Di Maria's stunning long-range strike in the 41st minute.</p><p>While both the sides were 1-1 at halftime, Gabriel Mercado got France a lead in the 48th minute.</p><p>However, Benjamin Pavard scored a stunning equaliser in the 57th minute.</p><p>What happened next was not expected by Lionel Messi fans as Mbappe took the centre stage with a quick-fire brace and scored two goals in quick succession.</p><p>Messi, whose international career future will be a burning question in the aftermath of the defeat, did set up a late header for Sergio Aguero in extra time, but it was not enough to save Argentina from slipping out of this year's tournament.</p><p>While Argentina were defeated by former champions Germany in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, fans of Lionel Messi had high hopes from the star footballer from this edition.</p><p>However, Messi has only managed to get one goal in the entire tournament - that came against Nigeria in their final group stage encounter.</p><p>France will next take on either Uruguay or Portugal in the quarter-final. (ANI)</p><br/><center><em><p>This story has not been edited. It has been published as provided by ANI</p></em></center>

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