After enduring a frustrating evening that even included a missed penalty, Mbappé eventually found the net before being forced off with an injury to his right ankle.

The France captain was left lying in the centre circle after the challenge. Only 15 minutes earlier, he had once again assumed the role of hero by helping eliminate Morocco from the World Cup for the second successive time, following France's 2-0 semi-final victory over the Atlas Lions at Qatar 2022. He was replaced by Jean-Philippe Mateta in the 77th minute.

Although France's place in the semi-finals had already been secured, television images showing an ice pack strapped to Mbappé's right ankle caused concern among French supporters.

Speaking to M6, the France captain reassured fans: "I took a knock to my ankle, but everything is fine."

Whatever the setback, it appears it will take far more to stop Mbappé at this World Cup. The French forward looks determined to achieve his mission, with nothing yet able to stand in his way.

Not even the gloves of Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, who denied him twice during the first half at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, near Boston.

Level with Messi

After receiving a headed pass from Désiré Doué, Mbappé beat Issa Diop outside Morocco's penalty area before curling a superb right-footed strike into the side netting, beyond the reach of Bounou.

He then turned provider for Ousmane Dembélé, whose finish made it 2-0 in the 66th minute and ended any hopes of a Moroccan comeback.

The assist further underlined Mbappé's influence on France's second goal. All 16 of France's goals in the tournament have come from their formidable attacking unit, which has earned widespread admiration.

France are through to the semi-finals, while their captain now shares the tournament's scoring lead with Lionel Messi on eight goals and remains firmly on course to surpass the Argentine great in the World Cup record books.

Mbappé has now scored 20 World Cup goals across three tournaments, leaving him just one behind Messi, who is due to face Switzerland in the quarter-finals on Saturday in Kansas City.

With his determination to lead France to a third World Cup title, Mbappé appears destined to add even more remarkable achievements to his growing legacy.