Lionel Messi has scored five goals in Argentina’s opening two matches, positioning him at the forefront of the World Cup 2026 Golden Boot competition.
He opened the tournament with a hat‑trick against Algeria and added a brace in the victory over Austria, accounting for every Argentine goal to date.
While the Argentine forward’s early surge gives him a strong advantage, the tournament’s length means the race remains open.
Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland each follow with four goals, while Deniz Undav and Jonathan David have netted three apiece.
Cristiano Ronaldo contributed two goals in Portugal’s 5‑0 win over Uzbekistan, keeping his team in contention but leaving him behind the current leaders.
Mbappé is viewed as Messi’s primary rival, given France’s likely progression to the later stages, which would provide additional scoring opportunities.
Although Haaland matches Mbappé’s tally, Norway’s overall prospects make a high goal total less certain for the Manchester City striker.
Canada’s Jonathan David and Germany’s Deniz Undav have shown promise, yet their teams face tougher paths in the competition.
The tournament could culminate in a Messi versus Mbappé showdown, with either player poised to claim the prestigious top‑scorer award.
