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By Vikram Iyer — 16 July 2026 — 3 min read

Lionel Messi has taken the lead in the race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot after a significant performance helped Argentina secure a spot in a second consecutive World Cup final. The 39-year-old provided two assists during Argentina’s 2-1 comeback win against England in the semi-finals. This performance moved him ahead of France‘s Kylian Mbappé based on the tournament’s official tiebreakers, positioning him to potentially finish as the competition’s top player.

Messi entered the semi-finals tied with Mbappé, both having scored eight goals throughout the tournament. While neither player added to their goal tally in the final four, Messi’s contributions were crucial. With England leading 1-0, the Argentina captain orchestrated the comeback by setting up both goals. He first assisted Enzo Fernández for the equaliser in the 85th minute, then delivered a cross in stoppage time for Lautaro Martínez to score the winning goal, sending the reigning champions to the final against Spain.

These two assists increased Messi’s tournament total to four, giving him an advantage over Mbappé under FIFA‘s Golden Boot tiebreak criteria. The Golden Boot award is given to the tournament’s top goal scorer, with assists serving as the tiebreaker if players are level on goals.

Contenders still in the running

Despite Messi’s current lead, the Golden Boot race is not yet mathematically decided. France and England are scheduled to play in the third-place playoff, offering Mbappé, Harry Kane, and Jude Bellingham another chance to increase their goal tallies and challenge Messi’s position. Mbappé remains the closest competitor, trailing only on assists while matching Messi’s eight goals. Kane and Bellingham would need substantial scoring performances in the playoff to close the gap. Erling Haaland, who had seven goals, is no longer in contention after Norway‘s exit in the quarter-finals.

Historically, only five times has a player needed more than eight goals to win the Golden Boot, and never before have two or more players reached that total. With Messi and Mbappé both on eight goals, this is one of the highest-scoring races in the tournament’s history.

Other players still in consideration, though requiring significant efforts, include Mikel Oyarzabal of Spain with five goals and one assist, and Ousmane Dembélé of France with five goals and two assists. Kane has six goals and one assist, while Bellingham also has six goals and one assist, leading his teammate in rankings due to fewer minutes played.

Messi’s consistent performance

Messi’s lead in the Golden Boot race highlights his consistent performance throughout Argentina’s title defense. He has contributed directly to Argentina’s attacking efforts at every stage of the tournament, combining eight goals with four assists and continuing to be a decisive factor in key matches.

His two recent assists brought his World Cup career assist tally to a record 12, the highest recorded by any player since detailed tournament records began in 1966. He also extended his streak of either scoring or assisting to 13 consecutive World Cup matches, a record unmatched in the same period.

Argentina will face Spain in the World Cup final at New York New Jersey Stadium. Both the trophy and individual honors are at stake. Another goal or assist against Spain would further solidify Messi’s position in the Golden Boot standings. With his closest rivals still having a match to play in the third-place playoff, the race technically remains open, but Messi holds the advantage heading into the final.

Barring a significant shift in the standings, the Golden Boot remains within Messi’s grasp as Argentina prepares for the final on Sunday.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com