Messi and Mbappé tied in 2026 World Cup Golden Boot race
Argentina’s Lionel Messi and France’s Kalian Mbappé are currently equal in the tally for the tournament's top scorer award. Both players remain favorites as they advance into the knockout stages of the competition.
Amalgamated from Al Jazeera (opens in new tab), The Sun (opens in new tab), Al Jazeera (opens in new tab), NY Post (opens in new tab)
Argentina’s Lionel Messi and France’s Kalian Mbappéry are tied in the number of goals scored during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Both athletes are considered primary contenders for the Golden Boot award as the tournament enters its knockout phase, according to reports from Al Jazeera.
The competition features a record 48 participating nations, expanding the scale of the tournament's scoring opportunities. The Sun noted that since the Golden Boot was rebranded, there have been four winners of the title.
As both Messi and Mbappé are expected to remain prominent figures in the knockout rounds, their equal standing remains the focal point for the individual scoring race. The competition continues as the tournament moves toward its final stages.
Why this matters
The Golden Boot is a primary individual accolade in international football. With 48 teams competing, the tie between these two high-profile players highlights their central roles in the tournament's narrative and their standing among the world's elite scorers.
What's confirmed / what isn't
Both Al Jazeera and The Sun report that Messi and Mbappé are currently tied in their goal counts. Both outlets identify them as favorites for the upcoming knockout rounds.
Background
The Golden Boot is awarded to the player who scores the most goals during a FIFA World Cup tournament. The 2026 edition marks a significant expansion of the competition, which now includes 48 national teams.