By
Arinze Izik
Lionel Messi has moved to the top of the 2026 FIFA World Cup scoring charts after Argentina secured a spot in the final.
The 39-year-old set up both goals in Argentinaโs 2-1 semi-final win over France. That gave him two more assists for the tournament, bringing his total to four. He stays level with Kylian Mbappe on eight goals.
Because Messi has more assists, he now leads the Golden Boot standings on the tiebreaker. Mbappe sits on eight goals and three assists after Franceโs run to the last four.
Mbappe will get a chance to hit back when France play England in the third-place match on Friday. A goal would put the 27-year-old Real Madrid forward back in front, and another assist could also swing it if both finish level on goals.
Messi will have his own final opportunity on July 19 when Argentina take on European champions Spain in the World Cup final. One more goal or assist would extend his lead.
With both stars guaranteed one more game, the race for the tournamentโs top scorer is set to go down to the wire in the closing weekend of the 2026 World Cup
