Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney have called on FIFA to reconsider its rules after Kylian Mbappe won the World Cup Golden Boot ahead of Lionel Messi. The France striker scored two goals in Saturday's 6-4 defeat to England in the Bronze Medal match, bringing his tournament total to 10. Messi, playing what may be his final World Cup match, was held scoreless by Spain's defence in the final, leaving him on eight goals.
Former captains criticise play-off counting
Both former England captains argued that goals scored in the third-place play-off should not count towards the Golden Boot. Speaking to the BBC before the final, Shearer said: 'I was just looking at yesterday's game the way it was played like a testimonial. France are out and Mbappe has scored his two goals. France are out. Lionel Messi is playing in a World Cup final against a Spain team that have only conceded one goal and that is a lot more difficult.'
Rooney echoed those sentiments after watching Messi collect his runners-up medal from Donald Trump. 'I just think France got knocked out of the tournament and had the third and fourth play-off game. Listen, I don't think they should count. They do obviously but I think that's very unfair on Messi.'
Spain sweep individual awards
Spain, who won the final 1-0, claimed all major individual honours. Rodri won the Golden Ball as best player, Unai Simon took the Golden Glove, and Pau Cubarsi was named Best Young Player, ahead of teammate Lamine Yamal. Messi, who would have won the Golden Boot on assists had he tied with Mbappe, was left frustrated.
