Why I’m Backing Lionel Messi to Win the 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot
Lionel Messi is my pick to score in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final and finish as the tournament’s Golden Boot winner.
The Argentina captain has been in outstanding form, scoring eight goals and providing four assists to lead the race. A goal against Spain would take him to nine goals and make him the clear favourite to claim the award.
Messi’s closest challenger is France captain Kylian Mbappe, who also has eight goals. Mbappe still has one game left in the third-place play-off against England and will hope to overtake the Argentine.
Norway striker Erling Haaland finished the tournament with seven goals, while England duo Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have six goals each and also have one final opportunity to add to their tally in the third-place match.
Spain forward Mikel Oyarzabal and France winger Ousmane Dembele have scored five goals each, while Vinicius Junior (Brazil), Julian Quinones (Mexico) and Ismaila Sarr (Senegal) ended their campaigns with four goals.
Several other players also enjoyed impressive tournaments, finishing with three goals. They include Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Jonathan David (Canada), Kai Havertz (Germany), Folarin Balogun (United States), Raul Jimenez (Mexico), Yoane Wissa (DR Congo), Cody Gakpo and Brian Brobbey (Netherlands), Charles De Ketelaere (Belgium), Johan Manzambi (Switzerland), Deniz Undav (Germany), Matheus Cunha (Brazil), Ismael Saibari (Morocco) and Elijah Just (New Zealand).
With one match left to play, I believe Messi will find the net in the final and finish the tournament as the 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot winner.
