Lionel Messi is leading the race for the adidas Golden Boot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after scoring a hat trick in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria at Kansas City Stadium on June 16, 2026.

Messi’s three goals put him at 16 career World Cup goals, tying the all-time record held by Germany’s Miroslav Klose. He is now the front-runner for the tournament’s top scorer award after just one match played.

Full Golden Boot Standings After Week 1

  • Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 3 goals vs Algeria
  • Kylian Mbappe (France) – 2 goals vs Senegal
  • Erling Haaland (Norway) – 2 goals vs Iraq
  • Harry Kane (England) – 2 goals vs Croatia
  • Kai Havertz (Germany), Yasin Ayari (Sweden), Folarin Balogun (USA), Elijah Just (New Zealand) – 2 goals each

The week 1 results produced a rare phenomenon: three of the world’s most decorated active players all scored multiple goals on the same day, with Mbappe and Haaland each netting braces just hours before Messi’s hat trick.

Messi’s Historic Night

At 38 years and 357 days old, Messi became the oldest player to score a hat trick in a FIFA World Cup match. His three goals against Algeria came in the 23rd, 57th, and 79th minutes.

The hat trick is also his first at a World Cup. Despite winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and appearing in multiple previous tournaments, Messi had never scored three goals in a single World Cup match until now.

The 16 career World Cup goals tie him with Klose’s record set during Germany’s run from 1998 to 2014. Messi needs one more to stand alone as the all-time record holder.

Mbappe Breaks France Record

Kylian Mbappe scored his 13th and 14th World Cup goals against Senegal, surpassing Just Fontaine’s long-standing French national record of 13 World Cup goals. Fontaine set his record during the 1958 World Cup in Sweden.

France won the match 3-1. Mbappe scored in the 34th and 61st minutes. He is 27 years old and widely expected to compete for the Golden Boot deep into the tournament.

Our full World Cup Week 1 roundup covers all the standout performances from the opening days, including Haaland, Kane, and Mbappe.

Haaland and Kane Also Shine

Erling Haaland scored twice in Norway’s 4-1 rout of Iraq, giving the Norwegian striker his first-ever World Cup goals. Norway had not qualified for a World Cup since France 1998, making the 2026 debut particularly significant.

Harry Kane scored twice in England’s 4-2 win over Croatia, building on his reputation as one of the most reliable goal scorers in international football. Kane is England’s all-time leading scorer and his form at this tournament reinforces that status.

TrustPost published a full match report on England’s 4-2 victory over Croatia, including Jude Bellingham’s 47th-minute goal and Marcus Rashford’s finishing seal.

What Is the Golden Boot?

The adidas Golden Boot is awarded to the tournament’s top goal scorer. If two or more players finish level on goals, the tie is broken first by assists and then by minutes played.

The award dates back to the 1930 FIFA World Cup. Past winners include Mbappe (2018), Daei of Iran, Maradona, and many others. Messi has never won the Golden Boot despite winning the World Cup in 2022.

With the expanded 48-team 2026 format providing more matches, the total goal count in the tournament is expected to be higher than previous editions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is leading the World Cup 2026 Golden Boot?

Lionel Messi leads with 3 goals after Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria on June 16, 2026. Mbappe, Haaland, and Kane are tied at 2 goals each after their respective opening matches.

Did Messi break the World Cup goals record?

Messi tied the record. His hat trick against Algeria gave him 16 career World Cup goals, matching Germany’s Miroslav Klose. Klose’s record had stood since the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

How many World Cup goals does Mbappe have?

As of June 18, 2026, Kylian Mbappe has 14 World Cup goals. His two against Senegal broke the French all-time record of 13, previously held by Just Fontaine since 1958.

Related Articles

Sources: ESPN – World Cup 2026 Golden Boot Tracker | Fox Sports – Messi Hat Trick Stats | FIFA.com – Golden Boot Race

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