As of June 24, 2026, Lionel Messi is leading the race for the Golden Boot in the World Cup with five goals, while Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland are closely following with four goals each, raising questions about whether this could be the best Golden Boot contest ever, according to Al Jazeera.

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.

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.

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.

Portugal coach Martinez stated that Cristiano Ronaldo's rivalry with players like Lionel Messi motivates both athletes to maintain their peak performance, even as Ronaldo arrives late to the World Cup festivities. This ongoing competition is seen as a key factor in their enduring excellence in football.

Cristiano Ronaldo made history by becoming the first player to score in six different World Cup tournaments during Portugal's match against Uzbekistan on June 23, 2026. He scored the opening goal in the sixth minute after receiving a cross from João Cancelo. The 41-year-old celebrated the milestone with his teammates after the goal, contributing to Portugal's performance in the tournament.