Posted by Chinenye on Thu 16th Jul, 2026 - tori.ng
The battle for the World Cup’s top scorer award has taken another dramatic turn after Lionel Messi moved ahead of Kylian Mbappe on the deciding factor.
(Lionel Messi. Photo Credit: Vanguard News)
Argentina captain Lionel Messi has edged ahead of France forward Kylian Mbappe in the race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot after helping his side secure a place in the final.
Messi provided two assists as Argentina beat France 2-1 in the semi-finals, pushing his tournament assist tally to four while remaining level with Mbappe on eight goals apiece.
Mbappe, who has scored eight goals during France's run to the last four, has recorded only three assists, placing him behind Messi on the tiebreaker used to separate players tied on goals.
The 39-year-old Inter Miami forward now tops the Golden Boot standings heading into Sunday's final, where Argentina will face European champions Spain.
Mbappe, 27, will still have a chance to reclaim the lead when France take on England in the third-place playoff on Friday.
A goal in that match would move the Real Madrid forward ahead of Messi, while an assist could also prove decisive should both finish level on goals.
Messi, meanwhile, will get one final opportunity to extend his lead when Argentina face Spain in the World Cup final on July 19.
With both players guaranteed one more fixture, the race for the tournament's top scorer remains one of the standout storylines heading into the final weekend of the 2026 World Cup.