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# Messi, Mbappe & Haaland Set World Cup 2026 Golden Boot Race Ablaze
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is barely into its group stage, and we’re already witnessing history. Three of the greatest forwards in football history — Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland — are locked in an extraordinary Golden Boot race that hasn’t been seen in over 70 years.
## Current Golden Boot Standings
| Player | Team | Goals | Matches | Goals per Game |
|——–|——|——-|———|—————-|
| Lionel Messi 🇦🇷 | Argentina | 5 | 2 | 2.50 |
| Kylian Mbappe 🇫🇷 | France | 4 | 2 | 2.00 |
| Erling Haaland 🇳🇴 | Norway | 4 | 2 | 2.00 |
| Harry Kane 🏴 | England | 2 | 1 | 2.00 |
> This is only the second time in World Cup history where three players have scored four or more goals after two matches — the first since 1954.
## Lionel Messi — The Record Breaker
At 38 years old and just two days shy of his 39th birthday, Lionel Messi continues to defy time. After scoring both goals in Argentina’s **2-0 victory over Austria**, Messi now sits atop the **all-time World Cup scoring list** with **18 goals**, surpassing Germany’s Miroslav Klose (16 goals).
Remarkably, Messi has scored **all five of Argentina’s goals** at this World Cup. He’s also become only the third player in history to score in six successive World Cup matches, joining Just Fontaine (1958) and Jairzinho (1970).
## Kylian Mbappe — Chasing Greatness
Not to be outdone, Kylian Mbappe scored a brilliant double in France’s **3-0 win over Iraq** — a match delayed by over two hours due to severe weather and lightning in Philadelphia. Mbappe’s goals took his World Cup tally to **16 goals in 16 matches**, tying Miroslav Klose for second on the all-time list.
The 27-year-old also became **France’s all-time leading scorer** during the match. His first was a clinical left-footed strike from the edge of the box, while his second came after a disastrous Iraqi goalkeeping error.
## Erling Haaland — Norway’s Goal Machine
Over in New Jersey, Erling Haaland delivered yet another masterclass, scoring twice in Norway’s **3-2 victory over Senegal** to secure qualification to the last 32. The Manchester City star now has **4 goals in just 2 World Cup matches** and has become Norway’s all-time top scorer at World Cups.
Haaland has now scored in **12 consecutive competitive matches** for Norway, registering at least two goals in each of the past six. His tally of 59 goals in 52 appearances for his country is simply staggering.
## Harry Kane — Still to Come
England captain Harry Kane has a chance to join the party when the Three Lions face Ghana on Tuesday. Kane scored a double in England’s opening match against Croatia and will be looking to add to his tally.
## Looking Ahead
With the new 48-team format and an extra knockout round, there’s every chance these superstars could challenge Just Fontaine’s legendary record of **13 goals in a single tournament** (1958). Only three players in history have ever hit double figures at one World Cup — and we might see several more before this tournament ends.
### Upcoming Key Matches (June 23-24)
| Match | Group | Date |
|——-|——-|——|
| England vs Ghana | L | June 23 |
| Portugal vs DR Congo | K | June 23 |
| Japan vs Brazil | F | June 23 |
| Spain vs Austria | H | June 23 |
| USA vs Algeria | D | June 23 |
| Germany vs Scotland | E | June 24 |
| Colombia vs Paraguay | K | June 24 |
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**Final Verdict:** Whether you’re a Messi fan, a Haaland enthusiast, or backing Mbappe to go back-to-back, this Golden Boot race is appointment viewing. We’re witnessing something truly special — the world’s best forwards all peaking at the same tournament.
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