WILL MESSI WIN HIS FIRST EVER WORLD CUP GOLDEN BOOT?

Lionel Messi has never won a World Cup Golden Boot, but this might finally be the year. After finishing the group stage with 6 goals, he leads the race heading into the knockout rounds. The challenge is that every goal becomes harder from here, and one bad game could end both Argentina’s tournament and Messi’s chances of finishing on top.

Right behind him are some of the best goalscorers in the game. Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele both have 4 goals for France, while Erling Haaland is also on 4 and will have more chances if Norway can make a deep run. With the knockout stage now underway, the Golden Boot race feels completely wide open, even with Messi holding the early advantage.

Can Messi finally win his first World Cup Golden Boot, or will Mbappe, Dembele, Haaland, or someone else catch him before the tournament is done?