Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi will head into the World Cup semi-finals level at the top of the Golden Boot standings, with both players having scored eight goals in the tournament — GoalNigeria.com reports.
The pair have been central to their countries’ progress, with France and Argentina now just two matches away from lifting the trophy.
Mbappé continues France scoring run
Mbappé has scored in every stage of France’s campaign, beginning with a two-goal performance in the group phase before continuing his form in the knockout rounds.
The forward’s latest goal contributions helped France overcome Morocco 2-0 in the quarter-finals, securing a third consecutive World Cup semi-final appearance for Les Bleus.
The 27-year-old is aiming to become the first French player to win the Golden Boot twice, having finished as the tournament’s top scorer in 2022 with eight goals.
Messi chasing another World Cup milestone
Messi has also reached eight goals after playing a key role in Argentina’s run to the semi-finals.
The Argentina captain has combined scoring with creating chances for his team-mates, adding assists alongside his goals as the holders continued their title defence.
A second Golden Boot would add to Messi’s growing list of World Cup achievements after he won the award at the 2022 tournament.
Previous World Cup Golden Boot winners include Ronaldo in 2002, Miroslav Klose in 2006 and Just Fontaine, whose 13 goals for France in 1958 remain the record for a single tournament.
With the semi-finals and final still to come, Mbappé and Messi remain in contention to finish as the leading scorer. France’s Mbappé scored eight goals at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, while Messi finished that tournament with seven goals for Argentina. If players are level on goals at the end of the competition, assists and then minutes played are used as tie-breakers.
