Over to you, Messi - Mbappe leads Golden Boot race for the ages
The article details the intense Golden Boot race at the 2026 World Cup between Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi. It highlights Mbappe's record-breaking goal tally and the upcoming final match that will determine the tournament's top scorer.
Why it matters
Covers a significant milestone in international sports history regarding individual player achievements at the highest level of competition.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Kylian Mbappe has scored 10 goals in the World Cup
A Golden Boot race for the ages has the perfect finale - it will go down to the final match of the tournament.
Kylian Mbappe two goals in France's incredible 6-4 defeat by England in the third-place play-off moved him two goals clear of Lionel Messi, but the Argentine still has one match left to respond.
And if the 39-year-old can score twice in the final against Spain, he will take the Golden Boot by virtue of having more assists.
Anything less and Mbappe, 27, will become the first player to scoop the prize twice.
That is before we even mention the fight between the two men to be the World Cup's all-time scorer.
Mbappe now leads that race on 22 goals with Messi one behind.
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