Golden Boot race: Messi, Mbappe lead as World Cup finals heads to ultimate stage
By Joel Masibo, July 16, 2026Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe remain locked at the top of the race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot after Wednesday’s semifinal action.
The two football superstars have each scored eight goals during the tournament, placing them ahead of the rest of the field with only the final stages of the competition remaining. They will both get a chance to extend their respective tallies in the third-place play-off and the final at the weekend.
Mbappe will be seeking to pip Messi when France face England to determine the bronze winner, while Messi will be seeking to cement his legacy against Spain in the final.
On Wednesday, July 15, 2026, Messi set up both goals as Argentina came from behind to win 2-1 in a tense semi-final against England. After the match, the Argentine skipper praised the determination shown by his teammates as they overturned the deficit.
“This team never stops trying,” he said. “We went out there playing football with real determination. We pinned them back in their own half and showed we could win it in normal time, without going to extra time.
“No Argentine wanted to lose this match. The way this entire World Cup has unfolded has been incredible, especially considering the significance of this semifinal against England. No one wanted to lose today, setting aside any other context, but that’s how it is.” He said.
Other contenders
Norway striker Erling Haaland occupies third place with seven goals after another prolific World Cup campaign, while England duo Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane are tied on six goals each despite their team’s semifinal exit.
France winger Ousmane Dembele and Spain forward Mikel Oyarzabal have both found the net five times, keeping themselves among the tournament’s leading scorers.
A group of four goal scorers includes Brazil’s Vinicius Junior, Senegal’s Ismaila Sarr and Mexico’s Julian Quinones.
Several players are level on three goals, highlighting the depth of attacking talent on display throughout the tournament. The list includes Belgium pair Romelu Lukaku and Charles De Ketelaere, Argentina’s Lautaro Martinez, Brazil’s Matheus Cunha, Canada’s Jonathan David, Portugal veteran Cristiano Ronaldo, Germany’s Kai Havertz and Deniz Undav, Netherlands forwards Cody Gakpo and Brian Brobbey, Morocco midfielder Ismael Saibari, Switzerland’s Johan Manzambi, DR Congo’s Yoane Wissa, New Zealand’s Elijah Just, Mexico striker Raul Jimenez and United States forward Folarin Balogun.
With the World Cup nearing its conclusion, the race for the Golden Boot remains finely balanced, with Messi and Mbappe leading the standings and hoping to finish the tournament as its top scorer.