With the knockout stage entering its decisive phase, the race for the FIFA World Cup Golden Boot has narrowed to three outstanding forwards—Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Erling Haaland. For the first time, Haaland will fight for one of the tournament’s most prestigious individual awards. Kylian Mbappé was the winner in the last FIFA World Cup. Messi and the Norwegian striker are chasing the Golden Boot for the first time.
Until Norway stunned Brazil in the Round of 16, the Golden Boot race appeared to be a battle between Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé. Both the World Cup winners have been showcasing their brilliance right from their opening game. Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé found the scoresheet consistently throughout the tournament. Messi has registered one hat-trick, whereas the French skipper has two assists along with the goals.
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland made it a three-horse race after Norway eliminated five-time champions Brazil. On the world stage, he has yet to prove himself by winning the Golden Boot or the World Cup.
Who has higher chances of winning the Golden Boot?
Lionel Messi
He has championed the Ballon d’Or eight times. As the tournament’s all-time leading scorer, Messi has scored in five consecutive matches. Despite an unparalleled career, the Golden Boot remains one of the few major individual honours missing from his résumé. Comparatively, Argentina has an easier bracket to reach the final of this World Cup. Therefore, the 39-year-old has a bright chance to win it for the first time.
Kylian Mbappé
Already regarded as one of football’s biggest stars, he had won it in 2022 and is still looking unstoppable to etch another Golden Boot to his name. As France is the favourite to win this tournament, Mbappé has three more games to retain his Golden Boot.
Erling Haaland
Before the Norway vs Brazil Round of 16 clash, Haaland was not considered among the leading favourites in the Golden Boot race. However, his consistency proved to the world that he is also one of the most prolific strikers. But, there are very few chances for him to make it to the Semi-Final and Final because they will face stronger teams like England and Argentina (possibly). If the team creates enough chances for him, he will find the net and guide Norway deeper into the tournament.
Lionel Messi currently leads the Golden Boot standings by one goal, and Mbappé will be in action on Thursday against Morocco. Whereas, Erling Haaland will be next present in the Quarter-final clash against England on Sunday.