Lionel Messi announced his arrival at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a stunning hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria, putting the 38-year-old captain at the top of the Golden Boot race in what could be his final World Cup appearance.
However, Canada’s Jonathan David has matched Messi’s feat with his own three-goal show in Canada’s first-ever World Cup win, thrashing Qatar 6 – 0, leaving the two players tied at 3 goals as the race for the adidas Golden Boot heats up.
Kylian Mbappé, the 2022 Golden Boot winner, sits just behind with 2 goals, leading a pack of nine players, including Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, and Folarin Balogun, all chasing the top scorer award, with the tournament still in the early stages.
The Golden Boot race, which awards the top scorer at the FIFA World Cup 2026, has become one of the most emotional stories of the tournament. Messi, who holds the record for the most World Cup goals with 16, is playing his sixth and final World Cup, and his hat-trick in Kansas City has sent a message that he is not retiring quietly.
With nine players having scored 2 goals in the early stages of the tournament, it means that the Golden Boot race is still open for everyone.
However, the main question remains: who will be the winner of the Golden Boot? Will Messi keep going or slow down?
The Golden Boot Race: Messi and David Lead
The Adidas Golden Boot, awarded to the top scorer at every FIFA World Cup tournament, has become the tournament’s most competitive individual battle. As of June 18, 2026, the standings are as follows:
| Rank | Player | Nation | Goals |
| 1 | Lionel Messi | Argentina | 3 |
| 1 | Jonathan David | Canada | 3 |
| 2 | Folarin Balogun | USA | 2 |
| 2 | Kai Havertz | Germany | 2 |
| 2 | Yasin Ayari | Sweden | 2 |
| 2 | Elijah Just | New Zealand | 2 |
| 2 | Harry Kane | England | 2 |
| 2 | Erling Haaland | Norway | 2 |
| 2 | Kylian Mbappé | France | 2 |
| 2 | Johan Manzambi | Switzerland | 2 |
| 2 | Cyle Larin | Canada | 2 |
Key Facts About the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Only two hat-tricks have been scored so far: Lionel Messi vs Algeria and Jonathan David vs Qatar.
9 players tied at 2 goals create one of the most competitive Golden Boot races ever.
Three former Golden Boot winners competing: Mbappé (2022), Kane (2018), and James Rodríguez (2014).
Messi’s Last Dance?
At 38 years old, Lionel Messi is playing in his fifth World Cup.
He has already made history with his hat-trick and holds the record for most World Cup goals in history, with 16 goals across five tournaments.
Messi also holds the record for the most different FIFA World Cup appearances, alongside the Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo, at 6.
Jonathan David’s Hat-Trick and Canada’s Historic Moment
Jonathan David’s hat-trick is also historic. David scored three goals in Canada’s first-ever World Cup win, marking a milestone for Canadian football.
PHOTO | FIFA | X
Mbappé, Haaland, and Kane Chase Messi
Behind Messi and David, a pack of nine players sits at 2 goals, including three prolific scorers who could score a lot in this tournament.
Kylian Mbappé (France), 2 Goals
The 2022 Golden Boot winner, with 8 goals in Qatar, is back, chasing the trophy.
Mbappé is a prolific goal scorer who uses his pace to outrun defenders.
He has already proven he can dominate World Cup scoring, and his 2 goals in 2026 show he is still in form.
Kylian Mbappe finished as top scorer in La Liga last season and is in top form, with World Cup experience.
A second World Cup Golden Boot will secure Mbappe’s place as one of the greatest World Cup scorers in history.
Also Read: World Cup Records Set to be Broken in FIFA World Cup 2026
Erling Haaland (Norway), 2 Goals
The 25-year-old Norwegian star’s two goals show that he is ready to compete with Messi and Mbappé.
Haaland is in top form and finished as top scorer in the English Premier League last season, and has the support of Arsenal’s Martin Ødegaard, whose vision could highly contribute to Haaland’s goals in this tournament.
He represents a new generation of strikers, and if Norway proceeds to the later stages of the tournament and Haaland wins the Golden Boot, he will be among the legends of the game, cementing his legacy.
PHOTO | FIFA | X
Harry Kane (England), 2 Goals
Harry Kane is England’s top scorer in history.
He was the 2018 Golden Boot winner with 6 goals in Russia and is still competing for the trophy.
Kane is a two-footed finisher, a positioning master, and a proven winner.
The Bayern Munich forward was also the Bundesliga’s top scorer in the concluded season and will surely score goals for England.
Kane has 2 goals so far and remains a threat in England’s attacking lineup, and if England proceeds to the later stages of the tournament, Harry Kane is likely to score important goals for his side.
PHOTO | FIFA | X
Other Outstanding Players at 2 Goals
Folarin Balogun, USA
Balogun had an impressive performance in USA’s opening fixture, scoring two goals and establishing himself as a contender for the Golden Boot in this tournament.
The fast-rising star has incredible pace and clinical finishing.
Kai Havertz, Germany
Arsenal’s forward Kai Havertz is creating chances for Germany and scoring.
He bagged two goals in their opening fixture, announcing his presence in the tournament.
With his height and positioning, Havertz will likely bag more goals for Germany.
Other Players With 2 Goals
Several other players announced their presence at the World Cup with strong performances, scoring 2 goals in their opening fixtures.
These players are:
Cyle Larin, Canada
He scored 2 goals against Qatar.
Johan Manzambi (Switzerland)
Manzambi scored two goals against Bosnia.
Yasin Ayari, Sweden
He performed well against Tunisia, scoring 2 of the 5 goals.
Elijah Just, New Zealand
Had an impressive start, putting 2 past Iran in the 2-2 draw.
Alexander Isak, Deniz Undav, Hwang In-Beom, Viktor Gyokeres, Luiz Diaz, Ramin Rezaeian, Julian Quinones, Raul Jimenez, Caleb Yirenkyi, Joao Neves and Vinicius Junior have each recorded a goal to their names.
Also Read: World Cup Under Drone Threat? DHS Says Dozens Were Stopped in Days
Important Facts About This Race
Mbappé, the 2022 winner, is back trying to win the Golden Boot for the second time.
New-generation talents Haaland, David, and Balogun are also in the race.
Former winners competing: Mbappé, Kane, and James Rodríguez.
The race will continue to evolve with each match.
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PHOTO | Kylian Mbappe | Instagram
