He set two historic tallies in a game that means nothing to anyone but FIFA.
With his two goals against England on Saturday, Kylian Mbappe notched the most impressive tally at this World Cup, surpassing Lionel Messi's 21. Yet, he did so in an unusual third-place match, where defending is optional and outcomes hardly matter. This raise questions about the value of such records.
Breaking Records with Zero Meaning
On Saturday, in a wild 6-4 victory for England over France, Mbappe pushed his World Cup goal count to 22, moving past Messi's historic mark. Simultaneously, he became the first player since Gerd Müller to score double-digit goals at one World Cup, finishing with an impressive total of 10.
Why It Matters
FIFA's third-place match is more a formality than a competition that fans and players take seriously. Teams often change tactics, rest key players, or treat the game as if it were a friendly. Mbappe himself barely got any significant playing time against Spain in the semis.
What’s Next?
The tournament's structure allows Mbappe to collect more accolades without much real investment from other players. This raises questions about whether breaking records feels hollow when the stakes are so low.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does FIFA consider changing third-place matches soon?
FIFA is unlikely to reconsider due to the financial benefits and lack of will among top teams to invest further. The decision remains questionable for fan satisfaction, though.
Is Mbappe's record fair compared to other player’s achievements?
While statistics are impressive, the context around his records makes it hard for many to see the value in such feats. His success was built partly on a game that is essentially a side event in most soccer fans' calendars.