Lionel Messi Extends Lead as Top Scorer in 2026 World Cup

Argentina's star Lionel Messi has further solidified his position as the top scorer in the 2026 World Cup. He added a crucial goal in Argentina's 3-1 victory against Jordan on Sunday, June 28, 2026, bringing his tournament tally to six goals. This puts him two goals ahead of his nearest rivals in the race for the Golden Boot.

“

Argentina's star Lionel Messi has further solidified his position at the top of the list of top scorers in the 2026 World Cup after adding one more goal to help his country defeat Jordan 3-1 in the last match of Group J on Sunday, June 28, 2026.

Coach Lionel Scaloni strategically kept Messi on the bench at the start of the match to manage his fitness. The Inter Miami forward entered the game in the 60th minute, replacing Lautaro Martinez when Argentina held a 2-1 lead. His introduction, along with Alexis Mac Allister and Thiago Almada, bolstered the team's attack.

Messi sealed Argentina's victory in the final minutes with a well-placed free-kick that bypassed the defensive wall and goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila. This goal marked his sixth of the tournament, widening the gap at the top of the scorer's list.

“

This goal has brought the La Albiceleste captain's tally to six goals, putting him two goals ahead of his closest competitors in the race for the Golden Boot.

The competition for the Golden Boot remains intense. French forward Ousmane Dembele moved into second place with four goals after scoring a hat-trick in France's 4-1 win over Norway. He is now tied with his teammate Kylian Mbappe, Norway's Erling Haaland, and Brazil's Vinicius Junior, all of whom also have four goals.

“

The Inter Miami forward only entered the game in the 60th minute, replacing Lautaro Martinez with Argentina leading 2-1 at the Dallas Stadium, United States.

Meanwhile, DR Congo's Yoane Wissa also joined the scoring race with two goals in his team's 3-1 victory against Uzbekistan, bringing his total to three. England captain Harry Kane also has three goals, though his team defeated Panama 2-0. Kane's header in that match broke Gary Lineker's record for most World Cup goals for England, bringing his personal tally to 11 in 14 matches.

“

Messi later secured Argentina's victory with a free-kick in the final minutes. The ball slipped past the defensive wall and evaded goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila.