Oh, here we go again. Corporate media is ramping up the hype train for Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé ahead of the awards season, but let’s not kid ourselves—this isn’t just about football. Networks like ESPN and CBS are peddling the narrative that these stars are the saviors of the sport, the “once-in-a-generation” talents that the world simply can’t live without. It’s a classic case of celebrity worship, pushed by the same outlets that thrive on drama and ratings rather than actual journalism.

What’s more disturbing is how these narratives are shaped to fit a larger agenda. CNN wants to shine a light on Messi because of his supposed “global humanitarian impact,” while Fox Sports focuses on the “astounding” performances of Mbappé to boost engagement ratings. Both networks conveniently ignore the toxic shadow of corporate influence and sponsorships lurking behind these athletes. The allure of the game is being exploited for clicks and views, while the real complexities of the sport—like the socioeconomic issues surrounding professional football—are relegated to the back burner.

And let’s talk about the awards themselves. Are we really supposed to believe that accolades are meritocratic when we know that popularity often trumps performance? It’s like a high school popularity contest, where the most photogenic kids get the crown, not necessarily the ones who put in the blood, sweat, and tears. It’s time to stop letting the media dictate who we should idolize. Let’s start asking questions that matter instead of just consuming the flashy headlines.