Media hails Mbappe as new global superstar

France players and the world’s press hailed Kylian Mbappe as an emerging superstar after the 19-yearold eclipsed Lionel Messi in a match that felt like the passing of a torch to a new generation.

Mbappe’s speed and power ruthlessly exposed Argentina’s defence in Kazan in a thrilling 4-3 victory on Saturday that reestablished France among the World Cup favourites.

“Move over, Messi, a new global superstar is born at the World Cup,” was the headline in the Sunday Times in Britain.

“In this game, the Messi was him,” French sports daily L’Equipe said above a photograph of Mbappe celebrating. “He showed his talent to the world and overshadowed Lionel Messi.”

The double strike made the boy from the Paris suburbs the first teenager since a 17-yearold Pele to score twice in a World Cup game. The Brazilian legend tweeted: “Congratulations, @KMbappe. 2 goals in a World Cup so young puts you in great company!”

“He’s got a lot more talent than me,” France midfielder Paul Pogba said of Mbappe.

“And he’s not going to stop there. He’s got so much talent.”

Argentina were simply swept aside by a new generation, and not just Mbappe — another of France’s scorers, Benjamin Pavard, is only 22 himself.

“When you have players having a day like Mbappe had today, it’s very difficult to stop them,” said Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli.

Mbappe was not even born when France won their only World Cup, on home soil.