Haaland, Messi and Mbappe Tied for Golden Boot Race

Erling Haaland, Lionel Messi, and Kylian Mbappe each have seven goals at the World Cup, making for an exciting race for the Golden Boot.

Erling Haaland scored twice to eliminate Brazil from the World Cup, sending Norway into the quarter-finals and tying the Golden Boot race.

In a tournament that the superstars have dominated, Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, and Lionel Messi all have seven goals. This marks the first time in World Cup history that three players have achieved this milestone. The record for a single tournament is still held by Just Fontaine, who scored 13 goals in six matches back in 1958.

This Golden Boot contest is quickly becoming one for the ages. Haaland’s Norway is set to face England while Mbappe’s France will take on Morocco in the quarter-finals. Meanwhile, Messi’s Argentina will meet Egypt in the round of 16 on Tuesday.

So, who appears best positioned to clinch the coveted award? Our writers weigh in.

Lionel Messi is simply a force of nature. Widely regarded as the greatest of all time, Messi seems unstoppable. As Argentina progresses, his chances of scoring increase. He holds a unique record with 20 goals at World Cups, the most for any player, and has netted 124 goals for Argentina, also the highest. Furthermore, he has scored in eight consecutive World Cup matches, setting another record.

At the age of 39, it’s astonishing to see him defy the odds and continue to perform at such a high level. With seven goals from four matches, Argentina is expected to continue its journey, which would further enhance Messi’s scoring opportunities. If he can maintain this pace, he might achieve double figures, a feat last witnessed by Gerd Muller with 10 goals in 1970, and perhaps even challenge Fontaine’s record.

Haaland, as a professional footballer, seems to find the perfect psychological balance. He approaches the game seriously but with a sense of joy. His demeanor reflects a blend of relaxed confidence and determination, making him a nightmare for defenders. Having declared that he believed France would win the group stage match against Norway, Haaland carries the weight of expectation but does so with a carefree attitude.

Norway’s historic run hinges on Haaland’s performance. However, his journey may be limited if Norway is unable to progress far in the tournament.

Kylian Mbappe presents another compelling case in this Golden Boot hunt. He appears to be in peak form, contributing steadily without the volatility that sometimes characterizes his play. He possesses a talismanic quality that suggests he is determined to make this World Cup unforgettable.

The French side’s overall quality gives Mbappe an edge. The team’s style involves multiple attacking players, thereby ensuring he has ample scoring opportunities. While their defense has vulnerabilities, the array of talent arrayed in support of Mbappe presents a unique advantage.

In the realm of football, both Messi and Haaland are phenomenal athletes, but Mbappe’s youth and current form place him in a distinct position to challenge for the Golden Boot.