Over to you, Messi - Mbappe leads Golden Boot race for the ages

The Golden Boot race is set for a thrilling conclusion, with Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi vying for the award in the tournament's final match. Mbappe's two goals in France's third-place play-off against England brought his tally to two clear of Messi. However, Messi has one more game to respond.

If Messi scores twice in the final against Spain, he will secure the Golden Boot by virtue of having more assists. Should he score less than two goals, Mbappe, at 27, will become the first player to win the award twice. The competition between these two stars extends beyond this tournament, as they are also battling to become the World Cup's all-time leading scorer. Mbappe currently leads that race with 22 goals, one ahead of Messi.

Mbappe's performance in this tournament has been exceptional, with his double against England bringing his total to 10 goals, the most in a single World Cup edition this century. The last player to reach double figures in a men's World Cup was Gerd Muller in 1970. This achievement places Mbappe in elite company, as only eight players in history have scored eight or more goals in a single World Cup.

The 2026 World Cup has been a showcase for top talent. England's Jude Bellingham is third in the Golden Boot standings with seven goals, the most by an Englishman in a single World Cup. He edges out Erling Haaland on assists, while England captain Harry Kane and France's Ousmane Dembele are one goal behind Bellingham.