Kylian Mbappé's historic World Cup goal record and potential Golden Boot achievement have sparked a debate about the value of FIFA's third-place match. While Mbappé's 22 goals surpass Lionel Messi's 21, the context of the match raises questions about the integrity of his achievement. The third-place game, often seen as a mere formality, provides players with extra scoring opportunities that are not available to those who lose in earlier rounds. This raises concerns about the fairness of records achieved in such a game. The author argues that FIFA should reconsider the existence of the third-place match, as it undermines the significance of individual achievements. The comparison to other sports, like the NFL or College Football Playoff, highlights the absurdity of a third-place game in soccer. The author concludes by emphasizing the need for a reevaluation of FIFA's practices to ensure the integrity of players' records and the sport's overall reputation.
