Lionel Messi surged to the top of the Golden Boot standings for the 2026 World Cup this Wednesday, without netting a single goal. During the semifinal against England, the Argentine captain provided two crucial assists, enabling him to overtake Kylian Mbappé as the tournament's leading scorer, thanks to FIFA's tie-breaking criteria.
Both forwards have scored eight goals throughout the tournament, yet Messi edges ahead with four assists compared to the Frenchman's three. According to FIFA's rules, if players are tied in goals, the number of assists is the first tiebreaker, granting the Argentine star a temporary lead.
Argentina triumphed over England with a 2-1 victory at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The Argentine goals were scored by G. Fernández in the 85th minute and Lautaro Martínez during stoppage time, while I. Gordon netted for England in the 55th minute. Although Messi didn't score, he played a pivotal role in orchestrating two of the three goals.
The reigning world champions, who claimed their title in Qatar 2022, have now advanced to the final without relying solely on their star player to decide the scoreline, though Messi remained the linchpin of Argentina's offensive strategy.
For England, Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane concluded their tournament run with six goals each, unable to improve their tally during a semifinal where the Three Lions fell short of their best form. With their elimination, their chances for individual accolades are now over.
Erling Haaland, sitting third with seven goals, also won't add to his total after Norway's exit in the quarterfinals. Following him are Ousmane Dembélé and Mikel Oyarzabal, each with five goals.
The battle for the Golden Boot has been one of the most gripping storylines of the 2026 World Cup, with Messi, Mbappé, and Haaland trading places at the top throughout the event. Mbappé had matched Messi in goals before the semifinals and even led in assists, but Messi's two setups against England turned the tables.
This moment carries historical significance: Messi is the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history, boasting 21 goals over six tournaments, a record he set on June 22, 2026, with a brace against Austria in Dallas, surpassing Miroslav Klose's 16 goals.
The race for the prestigious award remains open until the tournament's final moments. Mbappé will have another chance to close the gap when France takes on England in the third-place playoff, while Messi will aim to extend his lead in the final against Spain, scheduled for July 19 in New Jersey.
Key Questions About the Golden Boot Race
What criteria does FIFA use to break ties for the Golden Boot?
FIFA uses the number of assists as the first tiebreaker if players are tied in goals scored.
How many goals has Messi scored in World Cup history?
Lionel Messi has scored a total of 21 goals in World Cup tournaments, setting a new record.
Who else is in contention for the Golden Boot?
Apart from Messi and Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Ousmane Dembélé, and Mikel Oyarzabal have been key contenders, although Haaland and others have been eliminated.