World Cup history could be made tonight as Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe chase the all-time goal-scoring record. Messi’s hat-trick against Algeria last week took him level with Germany’s Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals, while Mbappe is just two behind after scoring twice for France against Senegal.
But as the game’s elite strikers find red-hot form — Erling Haaland netted twice for Norway against Iraq and Harry Kane scored a brace in England’s 4-2 win over Croatia — defenders are left with a daunting question: how do you stop them?
“Messi ties Klose's 16 World Cup goals; Mbappe two behind; Williams gives defender's view”
Former Everton and Wales defender Ashley Williams told BBC Sport that stopping Messi requires a collective effort. “It’s more of a team effort,” Williams said. “I always felt being a defender that you are hoping for a bit of luck. You’ve got to cover all your bases, which might be getting tight as a defender, or dropping off and letting your midfield get tight.” He added that forcing an attacker onto their weaker foot has limited success with Messi. “He seems to take control in possession, no matter where you try to push him out to. He’s got the low centre of gravity, great balance, his touch is exceptional, so he can manipulate the ball and get you into a place you don’t want.”
Williams, who faced an 18-year-old Mbappe in a 2017 international, knows the challenge of containing the French star. But as Messi turns 39 on Wednesday, his enduring class continues to defy age. With 120 international goals and a record in sight, the question for defenders remains: pick your poison, and hope for a bit of luck.