Messi Leads Golden Boot
Lionel Messi Scores Eighth World Cup Goal, Leads Golden Boot Race with Extended Streak
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Lionel Messi scored his eighth goal of the 2026 World Cup against Egypt, breaking sole possession of the Golden Boot lead and taking his World Cup career total to 21 goals, according to AP News. The strike came in the 83rd minute off an assist from Gonzalo Montiel, extending Messi's scoring streak to nine consecutive games for Argentina.
The goal also gives Messi a two-goal lead over France's Kylian Mbappé on the all-time World Cup scoring leaderboard, AP News reported. In the race for this tournament's Golden Boot — the award for top scorer — Messi now leads at eight goals, one clear of both Mbappé and Norway's Erling Haaland.
A Late Strike Breaks the Golden Boot Tie
Messi and Mbappé had been deadlocked at seven goals apiece heading into Argentina's group-stage clash with Egypt, SF Gate reported. Messi broke that tie in stunning fashion, finding the net in the 83rd minute to pull clear of the French superstar. It was a classic late Messi moment — quiet for stretches, then decisive when it mattered most.
Gonzalo Montiel provided the assist, setting up Messi's clinical finish. With eight goals now to his name this tournament, Messi is one ahead of both Mbappé and Haaland in the Golden Boot standings, according to NH Register.
Nine Straight Games Scoring — A Historic Streak
Messi has now scored in nine consecutive matches for Argentina at this World Cup, a remarkable run of form for a player in his late 30s. No player has matched that kind of consistency across a single tournament, WBAL noted. Each game, defenses have schemed to stop him. Each game, he has found a way through.
The streak underlines just how dominant Messi has been in what many expect to be his final World Cup. Argentina has leaned on him at every critical moment, and he has delivered every single time.
Messi's All-Time World Cup Goal Record Keeps Growing
With 21 career World Cup goals, Messi now stands two clear of Mbappé on the all-time scoring list, according to Yahoo Sports. He already holds the record for most World Cup appearances and assists. Now he is closing in on becoming the outright greatest goal scorer the tournament has ever seen.
Messi's previous World Cup career high was 13 goals across multiple tournaments before 2026. He has nearly doubled that total in this single tournament alone. The 21-goal mark puts him in a category no other player has reached.
What's Next: Mbappé and Haaland Still in Striking Distance
The Golden Boot race is far from over. Mbappé sits at seven goals and France still has matches to play. Haaland, also at seven, has been a constant threat for Norway throughout the tournament. Either player could close the gap on Messi with a strong performance, CA Yahoo Sports noted.
But Messi has shown no sign of slowing down. With Argentina likely to advance deep into the knockout rounds, he will have more chances to add to his tally. At this pace, the Golden Boot — and the all-time record — look firmly in his sights.
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