FULL LIST: Messi Leads Golden Boot Race

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has moved to the top of the race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot and also leads the latest FIFA Creativity Power Rankings ahead of Sunday’s final against Spain.

The updated standings were released after the conclusion of the semi-final matches, with Messi’s outstanding performances helping Argentina reach another World Cup final.

Messi currently leads the Golden Boot race with eight goals and four assists, giving him the advantage over France forward Kylian Mbappé, who also has eight goals but fewer assists.

The Argentine forward’s latest contribution came in the semi-final victory over England, where he provided two assists as Argentina came from behind to secure a 2-1 win and book a place in the final against Spain.

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The 39-year-old captain has continued to defy expectations at the tournament, playing a key role in Argentina’s attacking build-up and providing decisive moments when his team needed them most.

2026 World Cup Golden Boot Standings

Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 8 goals, 4 assists
Kylian Mbappé (France) – 8 goals, 3 assists
Erling Haaland (Norway) – 7 goals
Harry Kane (England) – 6 goals
Jude Bellingham (England) – 6 goals
Ousmane Dembélé (France) – 5 goals
Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain) – 5 goals
Vinícius Júnior (Brazil) – 4 goals
Ismaïla Sarr (Senegal) – 4 goals

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Messi’s main challenger remains Mbappé, who has matched the Argentine’s goal tally and is chasing a second consecutive Golden Boot after winning the award at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar

Beyond goals, Messi has also dominated FIFA’s Creativity Power Rankings, which measure players’ influence through chance creation, assists, attacking decisions and overall contribution to their teams’ attacking play.

The Argentina captain’s influence has been central to his team’s path to the final, where they will face Spain on July 19 at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

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Spain reached the final after defeating France 2-0 in the semi-final, while Argentina secured their place after a dramatic comeback victory over England.

With the Golden Boot race still undecided, the World Cup final will provide Messi and Mbappé with one final opportunity to separate themselves in one of the most competitive individual battles of the tournament.

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