World Cup 2026 top scorers: Kylian Mbappe beats Lionel Messi to Golden Boot award again

All the top forwards on the planet have showed up over the past five weeks in North America, making this a battle for the ages - perhaps one that will never be topped.Lionel Messi was leading the way with eight goals during what has been another standout tournament from the Argentina captain. He became the first player in history to notch in six successive World Cup knockout games, after surpassing Germany great Miroslav Klose during the group stage to become the World Cup’s all-time leading goalscorer.Kylian Mbappe beat Lionel Messi to the Golden Boot award at the 2022 World Cup in QatarAFP via Getty ImagesHe also assisted a goal for Bradley Barcola to take him level on that front with Messi on four.Mbappe is the first player since Gerd Muller for West Germany in 1970 to score more than e