Written by Rhea Alison, Sports reporter, covering international sports since 2020

Lionel Messi has moved to the top of the World Cup Golden Boot 2026 standings after scoring five goals in his first two matches for Argentina. The tournament's leading scorer race remains tight, with Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Vinicius Junior all producing strong performances as the group stage nears its conclusion. With knockout football approaching, every goal could prove decisive in the battle for the tournament's top individual scoring award.

Messi Sets the Pace

Messi's early form has put him ahead of the chasing pack, while France star Mbappe sits close behind with four goals. Haaland has matched that total for Norway, and Brazil's Vinicius Junior has also emerged as a major contender.

The Golden Boot race often shifts quickly during the knockout rounds, where players have fewer opportunities but higher-pressure matches. Several contenders remain in position to challenge for the award over the coming weeks.