Mbappe flattered by Pele talk but staying grounded after helping France soar

Kylian Mbappe is flattered to be sat alongside Pele in the World Cup history books, but France’s star forward is refusing to get swept away by the hype he continues to generate.

At just 19 years of age, the Paris Saint-Germain striker produced a devastating performance to down Argentina in the World Cup last-16 on Saturday.

His pace and power troubled the Albiceleste throughout a thrilling encounter, with his direct running earning the penalty which allowed Antoine Griezmann to open the scoring.

Mbappe then got in on the act himself to see Les Bleus over the line, with a quick-fire brace wrapping up a 4-3 win as he joined the global elite at the very top of the game.

The first teenager to net twice in a World Cup match since Brazil icon Pele in 1958 told L’Equipe after his latest eye-catching outing:  "I’m very happy and it’s flattering to be the second teenager after Pele but let’s put things in context: Pele is another category, but it’s good to be among these people.

"As I’ve already and always said, at a World Cup you have all the top-level players, so it’s an opportunity to show what you can do and what your abilities are. There’s no better place than a World Cup."

While emulating Pele, Mbappe’s performance has seen him draw comparisons to another iconic Brazilian who tasted World Cup glory during his distinguished playing career.

The PSG star is considered to be of the Ronaldo mould, with his speed and finishing combing to make him a complete frontman.

France boss Didier Deschamps can see why such talk has surfaced, with Mbappe boasting the potential to become a legend in his own right.

He added after the topsy-turvy meeting with Argentina: "Ronaldo was a forward player who was very, very quick. I think Kylian is even quicker.

"But this is somebody who was a world champion compared to a young player who has lots of ability and qualities. He is only 19 years old and he will make a lot of progress."

France and Mbappe will be back in World Cup action on Friday, with either Uruguay or Portugal awaiting them at the quarter-final stage.