The battle for the World Cup Golden Boot has reached a thrilling conclusion, set to be decided in the tournament’s final match. Kylian Mbappe currently holds a two-goal lead over Lionel Messi following a brace in France’s 6-4 loss to England during the third-place play-off. With this performance, the 27-year-old Mbappe has reached 10 goals in the tournament, a feat not seen in men’s football since Gerd Muller in 1970.
Messi, 39, still has the opportunity to claim the award if he scores twice against Spain in the final, as he holds the advantage in total assists. Should Messi fail to do so, Mbappe would secure his second career Golden Boot. The two stars are also competing for the title of the tournament’s all-time leading scorer, with Mbappe currently at 22 goals and Messi trailing by one.
Elsewhere, England’s Jude Bellingham finished the tournament with seven goals, setting a new record for an English player in a single World Cup and placing him third in the standings. He edges out Erling Haaland on assists, while Harry Kane and Ousmane Dembele finished just behind with six goals each.
