Lionel Messi Extends Golden Boot Lead with Late Goal in World Cup Group Stage

The 2026 World Cup has showcased some remarkable goal-scoring feats as group stage play wraps up. Lionel Messi continues to dominate the scoring charts, increasing his lead for the Golden Boot with a late free kick goal on Saturday night.

Messi now has six goals in the tournament, having scored a hat trick in Argentina’s opening match against Algeria and a brace against Austria. His latest strike further distances him from other top scorers, although several players remain close behind.

Top Scorers at the End of Group Stage

Messi’s position at the top was briefly threatened by France’s Ousmane Dembélé, who scored three goals in just 32 minutes against Norway — the second-fastest hat trick in World Cup history. Dembélé now has four goals, matching teammate Kylian Mbappé. Mbappé, who won the Golden Boot in 2022, assisted two of Dembélé’s goals during that match.

Vinícius Júnior from Brazil and Norway’s Erling Haaland also trail Messi by two goals. Vinícius scored twice against Scotland while Haaland was rested in the last group game after Norway secured their Round of 32 spot.

Three players have recorded hat tricks so far: Messi, Dembélé, and Canada’s Jonathan David, whose three goals helped Canada achieve its first-ever World Cup win with a 6-0 victory over Qatar.

We will keep an eye on this race as the knockout rounds unfold. The fight for the Golden Boot remains intense and unpredictable.