Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé lead 2026 World Cup Golden Boot race
Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé are currently tied for the 2026 World Cup Golden Boot award. The final winner will be determined by performance in the remaining matches, with Messi currently holding a tie-breaker advantage due to his higher assist count.
Why it matters
The Golden Boot is the most prestigious individual honor in international football, and this race highlights the competitive peak of two of the sport's greatest players.
Hear this story Lionel Messi and Argentina are going to the World Cup final for the second time in as many tournaments after their 2-1 semifinal win over England .
Argentina will have an opportunity to become the first back-to-back World Cup winner since Brazil in 1958 and 1962. Messi will also have a chance to secure the Golden Boot for the first time in his legendary career.
Messi will enter the final tied atop the Golden Boot standings with France's Kylian Mbappé . Each will have a chance to add to their goal totals in their final matches, which will decide which superstar is able to take home the coveted trophy on the world's biggest stage.
How is the Golden Boot race shaping up? Here is the latest on the World Cup's scoring leaders with action through July 15 wrapped up.
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