A race for the legendary Golden Shoe: how Messi, Mbappé and Haaland defy history

The race for the Golden Shoe does not always guarantee collective success, but that of the 2026 World Cup promises to be one of the most captivating in recent years. Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland, each in their own way, transform their goals into real declarations, and offer an individual story that completes the nations' quest.

Messi leads the rankings with six goals: a hat-trick against Algeria, a double against Austria and a new goal against Jordan. Even though he's no longer as involved all over the pitch and his legs are showing signs of wear at 39, the Argentine continues to produce the decisive moment — like that 80th-minute free kick that sealed the group stage for his team.

The world's Golden Boots have rarely coincided with the final coronation of their owner. Since Ronaldo in 2002, few shooters at the top of the rankings have lifted the trophy: Kylian Mbappé (top scorer 2022), Harry Kane (2018), James Rodríguez (2014), Thomas Müller (2010) and Miroslav Klose (2006) have not won the Cup in the same year as their personal crown. The precedent of 2002, where Ronaldo carried Brazil with eight goals, remains the exception more than the rule.

Mbappé, Messi's natural enemy on the world stage, scored four goals in France's first two matches and provided two assists. Despite these figures, the French offensive machine still sometimes lacks fluidity; the automations are not completely in place. Nevertheless, his big-time temperament suggests that he deserves his place among the Soulier favorites.

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Haaland, for his part, scored four times in Norway's first two matches before being spared in the last group match. His efficiency from the start of the tournament obviously places him in the race, just like Vinícius Jr., author of four goals in three matches, and Harry Kane, who started strong but has not yet found high-level consistency on big occasions.

Cristiano Ronaldo remains an enigma: at 41, his presence in the area still makes him a real danger, despite questions about his collective role and his commitment to team play. Among the revelations, we note Folarin Balogun in the United States – a striking performance against Bosnia and Herzegovina could propel him into the race – and Brian Brobbey for the Netherlands, also in full offensive success.

Beyond the individual results, the current competition illustrates the evolution of football: the most successful teams are often those which excel collectively and compensate for individual limitations with adapted systems. Messi is the example: Argentina has been able to build a balance that maximizes its offensive qualities while compensating for its weaknesses without the ball.

Still, the Golden Shoes, above all, are a collection of moments. They offer benchmarks and create memories — isolated strikes that remain engraved in the memory of a World Cup. If Messi, Mbappé, Haaland, Ronaldo, Vinícius, Kane and others continue to score, the 2026 World Cup will undoubtedly have its share of unforgettable moments.