Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland each scored two goals in their respective matches, intensifying the competition for the World Cup Golden Boot. Messi, just days before his 39th birthday, contributed both goals to Argentina's 2-0 win over Austria at Dallas Stadium. This performance has set the stage for a thrilling showdown among these three prominent football stars.

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup expands to 48 teams, players such as Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Cristiano Ronaldo are breaking records in a competitive race for the Golden Boot, highlighting their elite scoring abilities.

The race for the World Cup Golden Boot, typically a secondary focus, has become a primary topic of discussion at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to The South African Sport.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are engaged in a competition to break World Cup records, but there exists a notable achievement that neither can surpass: the title of the oldest African World Cup goalscorer. This distinction highlights a unique milestone in the context of the ongoing rivalry between the two football legends.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature an expanded 48-team format, providing more opportunities for football bettors. Online sportsbooks are expected to be particularly active during this event. The article from Tribune Sports discusses predictions regarding the top goalscorer, group stage outcomes, and potential winners of the tournament.

The second round of group stage matches in the 2026 World Cup featured notable viral moments, on-field controversies, standout performances from key players, and significant goals, according to Al Jazeera.