C++ is a powerful language that has been used in the programming world for decades, majorly for system programming, game development, and embedded systems, due to its flexibility and performance benefits. When it comes to WebAssembly (WASM), C++ plays a significant role for a number of reasons.

Firstly, C++ has mature toolchains like Emscripten that can compile C++ code into WASM modules, making it an attractive interoperable option. This is particularly useful as shipping complex algorithms and data structures in native code to the browser, thereby saving resources on both the server and the client-side.

Secondly, compiling C++ into WASM allows developers to leverage the low-level features of C++ and the performance benefits that come along with them. Web applications compiled from C++ to WASM can run at near-native speed, providing a great boost in performance.

Moreover, there is a large body of existing C++ code, libraries, and frameworks available that can be brought to the web platform through WASM. For instance, physics engines used in games or simulation, advanced data processing or image manipulation libraries that have been time-proven and optimized can leveraged in the web context.

A simple parallel can be drawn here in terms of web application performance and basketball. Much like a seasoned player like Kobe Bryant adds a huge performance boost to a team with his experience and technical skills, C++ when compiled to WASM delivers superior performance benefits to web applications.

As a senior engineer, mastering the process of compiling C++ to WebAssembly can help you bring high-performance applications to the web, opening up a broad range of possibilities.