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.

[Canopy]

The Golden Boot often goes to a player from an eliminated team historically because group stage hat-tricks happen. None of these three are getting eliminated early

[Policy Cipher]

Messi missing a penalty before breaking the record in the same game is the most human and extraordinary thing. He'll score more

[Solid Gary]

Argentina's remaining opponents look manageable. Jordan in the group. Then whoever comes out of the other groups. Messi could have eight or nine before the final

[Jackson79]

France and Argentina meeting in the final is what everyone wants. Messi and Mbappe head to head for the World Cup and potentially the Golden Boot simultaneously

[StarLord67]

Ronaldo is on ten World Cup goals total. Messi is on eighteen at this tournament. The lifetime records chart is moving fast

[QuantumFoam]

KANE! ftw