Kylian Mbappe has made history as the World Cup's all-time leading goal scorer following his two goals in the 6-4 loss to England during the third-place match on Saturday. This victory pushed his career World Cup tally to 22 goals, surpassing Lionel Messi's previous record of 21. However, the significance of this achievement is under scrutiny due to the nature of third-place matches, which many argue hold little value in the grand scheme of the tournament.

The match, characterized by a lack of solid defense, saw Mbappe also becoming the first player since Gerd Muller in 1970 to score 10 goals in a single World Cup. While these are remarkable individual records, the context of the match raises questions about its legitimacy. Critics highlight the fact that third-place games often feel like glorified friendlies, offering an honor that is rarely remembered.

Despite France's strong performance in the earlier rounds, their semifinal loss to Spain left them competing for a consolation prize. This unique situation allows players to continue scoring in a match that, by traditional knockout rules, should not exist after a loss. The debate extends to the broader implications of the match structure, comparing it to other tournaments like the Copa America and the UEFA European Championship, which have eliminated third-place matches.

While Mbappe's accomplishments at previous World Cups are undeniable, this record raises ethical questions about the tournament format itself. The FIFA's motivation for maintaining the third-place game seems to hinge on financial incentives rather than the integrity of the sport. As the World Cup evolves, the integration of elements like the halftime show and championship rings reflects a shift towards commercialization, prompting fans and analysts alike to ponder the future of the tournament.