Stars sparkle early as Messi and Mbappe light up World Cup

Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe are already lighting up the expanded FIFA World Cup, providing the star power FIFA, broadcasters, and the American audience crave. Messi has risen to the challenge, becoming the all-time World Cup record scorer with 18 goals just two games into the tournament. The 39-year-old netted a hat-trick in Argentina's 3-0 win over Algeria and scored both goals in their 2-0 victory against Austria, even with a missed penalty. Mbappe is not far behind, scoring twice in France's 3-1 win over Senegal and adding two more in their 3-0 victory against Iraq, bringing his tally to 16 goals. After a challenging season, the 27-year-old Real Madrid forward is playing with renewed confidence. Other stars like Erling Haaland and Harry Kane are also making their mark. Haaland has scored four goals in two games for Norway, while Kane's two goals against Croatia put him level with Gary Lineker on 10 World Cup goals for England. Teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal also impressed, scoring his first World Cup goal for Spain in their 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia. The tournament is showcasing both established superstars and emerging talent, with a potential repeat of the last World Cup final between France and Argentina looking increasingly likely.

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If there is one thing the U.S. loves, it is the gravitational pull of a superstar, with the American Dream built on the premise that an individual, armed with talent and charisma, can climb above the rest and carry the whole show.