Messi Takes Lead in World Cup 2026 Golden Boot Race Ahead of Mbappe and Haaland

Kylian Mbappe’s decisive goal against Paraguay propelled France into the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026, bringing his tournament goal tally to seven across five matches, matching Lionel Messi’s total before Argentina’s round of 16 match against Egypt.

Erling Haaland also holds seven goals after netting twice in Norway’s historic victory over Brazil, including a header in the 78th minute and a late strike in stoppage time. Meanwhile, Messi reclaimed the top spot in the Golden Boot race by scoring a dramatic equalizer as Argentina rallied from two goals down to defeat Egypt in Atlanta.

Messi has scored in every game of this World Cup and in his last nine World Cup appearances overall. His current total of eight goals places him just five short of Just Fontaine’s single-tournament record of 13 goals set in 1958 over six matches.

England’s Harry Kane is close behind with six goals after converting a penalty in a 3-2 victory over Mexico, extending his World Cup record for successful penalty kicks (excluding shootouts) to six.

Current Standings in the World Cup 2026 Golden Boot Race

1. Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 8 goals

=2. Kylian Mbappe (France) – 7 goals

=2. Erling Haaland (Norway) – 7 goals

4. Harry Kane (England) – 6 goals

5. Ousmane Dembele (France), Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain), Jude Bellingham (England), Ismaila Sarr (Senegal), Julian Quinones (Mexico), Vinicius Junior (Brazil) – each with 4 goals

In other tournament news, Cristiano Ronaldo has exited the World Cup as Belgium secured a comprehensive win over the United States.