Messi or Mbappe for the Golden Boot: The Numbers as of Today

[CMPunk_Mike]

Lionel Messi sits on five goals at this tournament after two games. Kylian Mbappe has three from two games. Erling Haaland has two or more from two games. The Golden Boot race is the secondary competition running alongside the actual tournament and right now it's Messi's to lose.

Messi is 38 and playing his sixth World Cup. He broke the all-time scoring record in game two. Argentina have one group game left against Jordan which looks like a goal-scoring opportunity. Then knockout rounds.

Mbappe is France's all-time leading scorer. France beat both their group opponents. He could have three or four games remaining if France progress deep.

Haaland is at his first World Cup. Norway's remaining schedule determines how many games he gets.

The mathematics are wide open. Messi's head start is real. Mbappe's age and France's likely deep run makes him the threat. Haaland is the wildcard.