Messi has once again ignited the race for the Golden Boot at the 2026 World Cup by surpassing Mbappé and Haaland, in a display of class that is leaving fans in a frenzy. The Argentine star scored a crucial goal, maintaining his status as the top scorer of the competition and raising expectations around his performance in the United States.
Lionel Messi now leads the scoring table alone, with eight goals, after netting a dramatic equalizer against Egypt in Atlanta, in an impressive comeback by Argentina. Prior to this, Kylian Mbappé had matched Messi at the top with seven goals, thanks to the only goal in the match between France and Paraguay, which secured the French team's passage to the quarter-finals. Erling Haaland also has seven goals, after scoring twice in Norway's historic victory over Brazil, sealing the win with a header twelve minutes from the end and a powerful shot in the final minute of regulation time.
The World Cup is experienced with LEGO.
In the context of the competition, Messi stood out by scoring in every match of this World Cup, achieving a streak of nine consecutive games scoring in the tournament's knockout stages. He is now just five goals away from the legendary record set by Just Fontaine, who scored thirteen goals in only six matches in 1958. Harry Kane remains in pursuit, with six goals, after converting a penalty in England's victory over Mexico, in a frantic match that ended 3-2 for the English, even while playing with one fewer player. Kane also extended his record for penalties converted in World Cup knockout stages to six (not counting penalty shootouts).
After the triumph against Egypt, Messi once again proved decisive by scoring the goal that reignited Argentine hopes. The Inter Miami forward demonstrated composure and inspiration in moments of great pressure, solidifying his prominent position in the tournament. Meanwhile, Mbappé was instrumental in France's qualification, netting the only goal against Paraguay, leading “Les Bleus” to the quarter-finals. Haaland, on the other hand, showcased his killer instinct by securing Norway's victory over Brazil with two goals in the final minutes.
The Golden Boot race is heating up: Messi leads with eight goals, followed by Mbappé and Haaland with seven each, Harry Kane with six, and a group of players – Ousmane Dembélé, Mikel Oyarzabal, Jude Bellingham, Ismaila Sarr, Julian Quiñones, and Vinícius Júnior – all with four goals. As the World Cup enters its decisive phase, the battle for the top scorer trophy promises to remain intense until the final whistle, with the top names in world football facing off in a clash of giants.
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O MUNDIAL 2026 VIVE-SE COM A LEGO
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