Only Haaland, Mbappe & two others can STOP Messi winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot

Lionel Messi has moved two goals clear at the top of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot race after another decisive contribution for Argentina. 

His stunning free-kick in the 3-1 win over Jordan took him to six goals for the tournament and reinforced his status as the player everyone else is chasing.

As reported by Pulse Sports Nigeria, the defending champions continued their perfect start, and once again Messi, this time, did it from the bench. 

Introduced as a substitute, he scored for the third straight match and ensured Argentina finished the group stage with maximum points before booking a Round of 32 meeting with surprise package Cabo Verde.

That latest strike leaves Messi two goals ahead of the chasing pack, with Norway’s Erling Haaland, France’s Kylian Mbappe and Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele all sitting on four goals. 

Brazil and Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior is also on four, keeping the race alive, but the margin is now significant.

Mbappe has at least stayed within touching distance through his all-round output, with two assists taking his goal contributions to six - level with Messi overall in direct involvement. 

But in pure scoring terms, the Argentina captain has the advantage, and at this stage only a select few still look capable of closing the gap.

Messi’s form has been remarkable not just for the goals, but for the timing of them. Coming off the bench and still finding a way to decide matches gives Argentina another dimension and makes him even more dangerous in the knockout rounds. 

If he keeps this rhythm, the Golden Boot may already be drifting in his direction. For now, the race is still alive, but the field has narrowed. 

Haaland, Mbappe, Dembele and Vinicius remain the main challengers, yet Messi has already taken control of the contest and looks increasingly difficult to catch.