Lionel Messi moved ahead of Kylian Mbappé in the 2026 World Cup Golden Boot race after inspiring Argentina’s dramatic 2-1 semifinal victory over England in Atlanta.
The two stars entered the semifinals level on eight goals. Messi did not score on Wednesday, but his two late assists lifted him above the France captain under FIFA’s tiebreak rules.
Argentina will face Spain in Sunday’s final in East Rutherford, New Jersey. France meet England in Saturday’s third-place playoff in Miami Gardens, giving both players one final chance to claim the award.
Messi moves ahead through assists
FIFA awards the Golden Boot to the tournament’s leading scorer. When players finish level on goals, assists serve as the first tiebreaker, followed by fewer minutes played.
Messi now has eight goals and four assists. Updated tournament standings place Mbappé on eight goals and three assists, meaning the Argentine captain currently holds the advantage.
The shift came during a remarkable late comeback against England. Anthony Gordon put the Three Lions ahead in the 55th minute after a scoreless and physical first half.
England manager Thomas Tuchel had said, “We will stop Messi,” before the semifinal. His side contained the 39-year-old for long periods, but Messi found space when Argentina needed him most.
In the 85th minute, he moved from the right and found Enzo Fernández, who struck Argentina’s equaliser. Seven minutes later, Messi kept a loose ball alive before delivering the cross for Lautaro Martínez’s winning header.
Golden Boot race reaches final weekend
Erling Haaland remains third with seven goals, although Norway’s quarterfinal exit ended his challenge. England’s Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have six goals each.
France winger Ousmane Dembélé and Spain forward Mikel Oyarzabal have scored five apiece. Their totals keep the race mathematically open, but Messi and Mbappé remain firmly in control.
Mbappé, the 2022 Golden Boot winner, can regain the lead against England. Messi then gets the final opportunity when defending champions Argentina meet Spain.
A goal for either player could settle the race immediately. If both remain scoreless, Messi’s assist advantage would leave him in position to win his first World Cup Golden Boot.
Messi changes the game without scoring
Messi has played every minute of Argentina’s four knockout matches. Rather than covering every area, he has conserved energy, selected his moments and used movement and passing to decide games.
He stayed quiet during much of the first half against England. After Gordon’s goal, he became more involved between central areas and the right flank as Argentina increased the pressure.
His two assists raised his career World Cup total to 12, alongside a record 21 goals. The display again showed why Argentina remain dangerous even when their captain does not score.
Argentina are now one victory from retaining the trophy. Messi’s creativity, timing and ability to influence decisive moments could shape both the final and the Golden Boot race.
