Lionel Messi is chasing Kylian Mbappé for the 2026 World Cup Golden Boot (Messi 8 goals, Mbappé 10 after a brace in the third-place match). The Argentine star can claim a record-extending third Golden Ball as the tournament's best player in Sunday's final against Spain in East Rutherford.
Mbappé is the first player with 10 goals at a World Cup since Gerd Müller in 1970. The Golden Glove and Best Young Player awards are also at stake, with Unai Simón and Lamine Yamal the Spanish favorites. Messi would win the Golden Boot as world champion for the first time since Ronaldo in 2002.
Sources
- [AP News — Messi has work to catch Mbappé for the Golden Boot. A 3rd Golden Ball is in reach in World Cup final](https://apnews.com/article/world-cup-golden-boot-awards-messi-mbappe-2036d505bc97ce3a116f20dd67db43e5)
