https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5614184/2024/07/06/lionel-messi-lamine-yamal-photo-barcelona/
Lionel Messi, the Argentine football legend, has set a new World Cup record by scoring 18 career goals, surpassing Germany’s Miroslav Klose. This milestone was achieved during Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Austria in the group stage, where Messi scored a double. His achievement not only solidifies his standing as one of the greatest footballers but also marks his sixth World Cup appearance, making him the third player to score in six consecutive tournaments. The record-breaking performance has influenced prediction markets, with significant shifts in the odds for Messi to be the top goalscorer at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In the prediction markets, the odds of Messi winning the World Cup Golden Boot have surged. As of the latest data, the market shows a substantial increase in the probability of a YES outcome for Messi being the top goalscorer, reflecting confidence in his continued performance. The largest movement in odds was observed with a 7-point spike, indicating strong market belief in Messi’s goal-scoring prowess. Other contenders, such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappé, currently trail behind in the prediction markets.
