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Kylian Mbappé of France scores 19th career World Cup goal, 1 behind Golden Boot rival Messi
By Dan Gelston, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 4, 2026
· 3 min read
Kylian Mbappé of France scored his 19th career World Cup goal, finding the net on a penalty kick in the Round of 16 against Paraguay on Saturday and moving within one of record holder Lionel Messi of Argentina.Mbappé stutter-stepped on his way to his 19th goal in 19 World Cup appearances, beating...
Key takeaway He gave all the athletic efforts,” France coach Didier Deschamps said after Les Bleus won 1-0.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
San Antonio soccer fans are likely following the World Cup with great interest, and the recent match between France and Paraguay has significant implications for the tournament's top scorer award. Kylian Mbappé's 19th career World Cup goal has brought him within striking distance of Lionel Messi's record, and locals may be wondering how this will play out in the remaining games. The city's own soccer community, with its strong youth leagues and adult recreational teams, may be inspired by Mbappé's achievements and the intense competition for the Golden Boot. As the tournament progresses, San Antonio residents can expect to see more excitement and analysis at local sports bars and gatherings, with many rooting for their favorite players and teams. The city's diverse population, with a strong Latin American influence, may also be drawn to the performances of Messi and other international stars.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 4, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Kylian Mbappé of France scored his 19th career World Cup goal, finding the net on a penalty kick in the Round of 16 against Paraguay on Saturday and moving within one of record holder Lionel Messi of Argentina.Mbappé stutter-stepped on his way to his 19th goal in 19 World Cup appearances, beating...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 4, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Dan Gelston, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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