Messi Extends Golden Boot Lead as World Cup Quarter-Finals Loom

Messi sits atop the scoring charts after netting his eighth goal against Egypt, with Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé close behind.

Published On 8 Jul 20268 Jul 2026

Lionel Messi has reclaimed the lead in the Golden Boot race, scoring his eighth goal of the tournament as Argentina rallied from a 2-0 deficit to defeat Egypt 3-2 in the Round of 16 on Tuesday.

The strike, which levelled the match in Atlanta, moved Messi clear of his rivals for the top-scorer prize.

For three days, Messi and France’s Kylian Mbappé shared the lead on seven goals each, but Erling Haaland drew level after netting twice in Norway’s Round of 16 victory over Brazil on Sunday.

Messi first reached seven goals in Argentina’s knockout opener against Cape Verde on Friday, with Mbappé matching the tally a day later as France dispatched Paraguay.

England’s Harry Kane moved to six goals after scoring in a 3-2 win over Mexico on Sunday.

Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal and Mbappé’s France teammate Ousmane Dembélé trail on four goals apiece.

Here is a guide to the FIFA Golden Boot award:

What is the FIFA Golden Boot and how is it decided?

The Golden Boot goes to the tournament’s top goal scorer.

France’s Mbappé claimed the award in 2022 after scoring eight goals in Qatar.

If players are tied on goals, the award goes to the one with the most assists.

Should the tie persist, the player with the fewest minutes played wins.

World Cup 2026 Top Scorers

1. Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 8 goals, 1 assist
2. Kylian Mbappe (France) – 7 goals, 2 assists
3. Erling Haaland (Norway) – 7 goals, 0 assists
4. Harry Kane (England) – 6 goals, 1 assist
5. Ousmane Dembele (France) – 4 goals, 2 assists
6. Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain) – 4 goals, 1 assist

Previous Golden Boot Winners in the Field

Mbappé, Kane, and James Rodríguez are each bidding to win the Golden Boot for a second time.

Kane won in Russia in 2018, while Rodríguez topped the scoring charts in Brazil in 2014.

No player has ever won the award twice.

Mbappé will have the first chance to add to his tally when France face Morocco in the quarter-finals on Thursday.

Single-Tournament Scoring Record

Just Fontaine holds the record with 13 goals for France at the 1958 World Cup in Sweden.

Sándor Kocsis netted 11 in 1954, and Gerd Müller scored 10 in 1970.

All-Time World Cup Scoring Leaders

1. Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 21
2. Kylian Mbappe (France) – 19
3. Miroslav Klose (Germany) – 16
4. Ronaldo (Brazil) – 15
5. Harry Kane (England) and Gerd Muller (West Germany) – 14

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