Omotayo Fashola
(Lionel Messi. Photo Credit: Vanguard News)
Lionel Messi has surged past Kylian Mbappé in the competition for the Golden Boot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after guiding Argentina to a thrilling final appearance.
The Argentine talisman delivered a masterclass in the semi-final against France, setting up two crucial goals in his side’s 2-1 victory. With four assists so far, Messi now holds a slight advantage over Mbappé, who trails with three despite matching his goal tally of eight.
The PSG superstar remains within striking distance, however, as France prepares for a bronze-medal clash against England. A single goal or assist in that fixture could swing the race back in his favor.
Both football icons will have one last opportunity to cement their dominance—Messi in the high-stakes final against Spain, and Mbappé in the earlier third-place showdown.
With the tournament’s top-scorer honor hanging in the balance, the dramatic duel between these generational talents continues to captivate fans worldwide.
