The 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot race is heating up as Argentina’s Lionel Messi, France’s Kylian Mbappé, and Norway’s Erling Haaland have all scored multiple goals in the early stages of the tournament. Messi, in particular, has been a standout performer, scoring a hat trick in Argentina’s opener and adding two more goals in their second group game against Austria. He now has 18 World Cup goals, setting a new record.

Top Scorers and Key Performances

Messi’s 18th and 19th World Cup goals came in Argentina’s 2-0 win over Austria, according to NBC New York. Mbappé, the reigning Golden Boot winner from the 2022 World Cup, has already notched four goals in his first two games, including a brace against Iraq, as reported by USA Today. Haaland, making his World Cup debut, has also scored four goals, including two in each of Norway’s first two matches.

Other top goal scorers include Germany’s Denis Undav and Canada’s Jonathan David, each with three goals. Undav’s two goals in the 94th minute helped Germany secure a 2-1 win over Ivory Coast, while David responded to a poor opening game with a hat trick against Qatar, as per USA Today.

Messi’s Chances and Challenges

Messi, who turns 39 in June, has not yet won a Golden Boot in his World Cup career, despite being one of the greatest players of all time. ESPN notes that while his opening hat trick against Algeria was historic, his age and the strength of his draw could pose challenges; Argentina faces Spain in the next round, a team that has previously drawn with Cape Verde in their opener. Also, players like Mbappé and Harry Kane have higher goals-per-minute ratios from the previous season, which could make them strong contenders over the course of a long tournament.

Messi’s record of 18 World Cup goals is evidence of his consistency, but the question remains whether this will be his final World Cup, while ESPN highlights that Mbappé’s 16 World Cup goals and his performance in 2022 may make him the stronger candidate. Kane, with two goals already in England’s opener, is also in the mix, with a game against Ghana ahead.

Broader Golden Boot Race and Tournament Outlook

Through June 22. The top scorers include Messi (5). Mbappé (4), Haaland (4), Undav (3), and David (3), according to USA Today. The Golden Boot will be awarded to the player who scores the most goals in the tournament, with tiebreakers including assists, minutes played, and disciplinary points. The race has already produced several standout performances, with multiple players scoring in the early group stages.

Spain, meanwhile, has taken a more cautious approach, with coach Luis Enrique calling for calm as the tournament progresses — the team is focused on advancing through the group stage without overcommitting to individual accolades. In contrast. Players like Messi and Mbappé are under pressure to deliver on their promise and potentially secure another Golden Boot.

As the tournament moves into its second stage, the Golden Boot race will continue to be one of the defining stories of the 2026 World Cup. With Messi. Mbappé, and Haaland all in the running, fans can expect more exciting goals and high-stakes matches in the coming weeks.