However, the 38-year-old has made a fine start this time around as he netted all the goals in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria on Tuesday, drawing level with Germany great Miroslav Klose for the most World Cup finals goals of all time.
Hat-trick hero: Lionel Messi has now tied Miroslav Klose for the most World Cup finals goals of all time
Getty
Germany’s Kai Havertz and Sweden’s Yasin Ayari also netted braces in respective big wins over Curacao and Tunisia, as did Elijah Just for New Zealand against Iran and Folarin Balogun in the United States’ demolition of Paraguay.
World Cup 2026 Golden Boot standings
|
Position |
Player |
Nation |
Goals |
Assists |
|
1 |
Lionel Messi |
Argentina |
3 |
0 |
|
=2 |
Kylian Mbappe |
France |
2 |
0 |
|
=2 |
Harry Kane |
England |
2 |
0 |
|
=2 |
Erling Haaland |
Norway |
2 |
0 |
|
=2 |
Kai Havertz |
Germany |
2 |
0 |
|
=2 |
Yasin Ayari |
Sweden |
2 |
0 |
|
=2 |
Elijah Just |
New Zealand |
2 |
0 |
|
=2 |
Folarin Balogun |
USA |
2 |
0 |
Table correct as of June 17, 2026
