Messi leads World Cup Golden Boot race ahead of quarterfinals

Lionel Messi secured the lead in the tournament’s scoring race on Tuesday, netting his eighth goal in a 2‑1 victory over Egypt. The Argentine forward’s strike, his second of the match, pushed him ahead of all competitors as the competition enters its final group stage round. The win also ensured his team’s progression to the knockout phase, while the result left Egypt trailing in the standings.

Trailing Messi, Norway’s Erling Haaland and France’s Kylian Mbappé each sit on seven goals, keeping them within striking distance of the top spot. Both forwards have been pivotal for their respective sides, with Haaland’s tally coming from three matches and Mbappé’s from four. The narrow gap sets up a potential showdown in the upcoming quarter‑finals, where the leading scorer’s form could prove decisive for the tournament’s outcome.