2026 World Cup: Mbappe, Messi in fierce battle for Golden Boot

France captain, Kylian Mbappe, netted his seventh goal of the 2026 World Cup, to ensure qualification into the quarter-final.

Mbappe calmly slotted home a second-half penalty, in what was a tight and feisty affair against Paraguay. 

The Real Madrid man is now ahead of Argentina’s Lionel Messi, only because he has two assists to his name.

Messi is yet to record an assist at the tournament. 

However, Messi will be looking to get in the scoresheet again, when they face Egypt in the last 16. 

The Inter Miami grabbed his 20th World Cup in the thrilling 3-2 win over Cape Verde in the previous round. 

The nearest contenders to Mbappe and Messi are Harry Kane (England) and Erling Haaland (Norway), who both have five goals. 

England face co-hosts Mexico in the Round of 16, while Norway clash with Brazil.