MOSCOW — No matter the venue or champion, the number of goals scored or nerve-racking shootouts, a World Cup always leaves enduring memories. Some tournaments bequeath more than others; this four-week wonder in Russia tendered a disproportionate harvest.
Here are some that stand out:
>> A competition that began by showcasing Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Mohamed Salah pivoted midway through to Luka Modric, Eden Hazard and Kylian Mbappe. Harry Kane scored as many goals as Argentina. Neymar alternated between soccer phenom and aspiring actor.
>> Prompted by Mbappe becoming the first teenager since him to score in a World Cup final, 77-year-old Pele tweeted: “If Kylian keeps equaling my records like this, I may have to dust my boots off again.