Messi leads Golden Boot race with 5 goals; Mbappe, Haaland chase

After two matches each at the 2026 World Cup, Lionel Messi leads the Golden Boot race with five goals – a hat‑trick against Algeria and a brace versus Austria on Monday. Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland each have four goals, having scored twice against Senegal and Iraq. The upcoming France‑Norway group game will pit Mbappe against Haaland and could decide who tops the group.

Why does this matter to Nigerian football fans? The race adds excitement to the tournament, highlights the enduring quality of a 39‑year‑old Messi, and shows how African sides Senegal and Iraq are being tested by world‑class strikers. It also gives fantasy‑league and betting enthusiasts clear players to track for potential points or returns.

What should you know or do? Watch the France‑Norway clash to see if Mbappe or Haaland can overtake Messi, follow Messi’s pursuit of a historic sixth World Cup goal, and consider how these performances might affect club transfers later in the year. Keep an eye on official FIFA updates for the latest goal tallies.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/06/23/2026-world-cup-messi-mbappe-haaland-battle-for-golden-boot/