Kylian Mbappé recently hinted at a potential move to Major League Soccer, revealing that David Beckham had been discussing a possible reunion with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami. With a playful tone, he remarked, “We will see, I don’t know,”
However, as he prepares to step onto the field in Miami this Saturday, he carries the weight of unfulfilled expectations and frustrated dreams. Although the third-place playoff holds some significance due to the teams involved, it cannot compare to the disappointment following France’s semi-final loss to Spain. This defeat marks the third consecutive time they have fallen to the European champions, and its impact will resonate throughout the summer.
The recent defeat accelerates the passage of time for Mbappé, who will reach 31 by the next World Cup. By that time, he is expected to have made around 700 appearances, raising concerns about whether his explosive style of play can endure as he approaches his fourth decade. While he has already solidified his place among the greats, this tournament seemed like an ideal opportunity to further cement his legacy.
There is still a chance for Mbappé to achieve this, albeit in a less pronounced manner. He is currently tied with Messi for the most goals in the tournament, with both having netted eight; Messi currently leads with four assists compared to Mbappé’s three.
Yet, this achievement seems insufficient to alleviate his frustrations. His disappointment was evident when he analyzed the match, which could be construed as a critique of Didier Deschamps’ tactical decisions.
France struggled in midfield, with Dani Olmo providing balance that Michael Olise could not match, leaving Mbappé largely isolated until the later stages when he attempted several shots. The team’s collective strategy appeared to dissolve in favor of relying on individual brilliance, a formula that has often worked but ultimately failed this time.
The disappointment is amplified by Mbappé’s strong start in this tournament, having overcome a disappointing end to his season with Real Madrid and navigating early challenges in France’s campaign. The feeling of unfinished business is palpable.
Reflecting on the past, he noted, “The American culture is different. There are no limits to ambitions, I like it.” when asked how he might rewrite history. “I would change Argentina 2022,”
The memory of his hat-trick in Lusail and the subsequent penalty loss remains a painful reminder. A final showdown against Messi and Argentina in New Jersey could have rewritten his narrative and crowned him as the world’s best.
Now, however, a new chapter begins. “That final comes to mind more than the one we won.” Mbappé stated. “We have to move on to the next chapter,”
There are no indications that he plans to step back from his commitments to France. With Zinedine Zidane likely to take over from Deschamps, there is an intriguing prospect of whether these two iconic figures can establish a successful partnership.
Zidane has been away from management for five years, and he must find a way to harness the exceptional talent of his players while developing a coherent strategy that has allowed Spain to outpace France convincingly.
What version of Mbappé will France see in 2030? His success may hinge on whether he finally captures a Champions League title, possibly alongside a European Championship in two years. It would have seemed inconceivable back in 2018 that twelve years could pass without him securing another major trophy.
While opportunities are likely to arise, the looming question of unfulfilled ambitions remains a point of concern. Mbappé would surely dislike the idea of being associated with near misses.
One day, Beckham and Inter Miami might indeed lure him, similar to Messi’s late-career move that has benefited his longevity with Argentina. Such a move could potentially lead to more World Cup opportunities.
In theory, Mbappé could carry the hopes of France through to the 2034 World Cup and beyond. Yet, after witnessing his anguish at Dallas Stadium, it is hard not to question if his most promising chance to achieve those lofty goals has slipped away.
- Kylian Mbappé
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