https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7367934/2026/06/16/lionel-messi-argentina-algeria-result/
Lionel Messi continues to make headlines as he has scored or assisted in every 2026 World Cup game he has participated in. The Argentine forward has been instrumental in Argentina’s performance, contributing to their advancement past the group stage and into the knockout rounds. As of July 12, 2026, Messi has accumulated eight goals and one assist over five matches, positioning him as a leading contender for the Golden Boot. This performance has bolstered his reputation as one of the greatest players in World Cup history, having already become the all-time leading scorer in the tournament’s history with 21 career goals.
Key Takeaways
Lionel Messi’s consistent goal contributions in the 2026 World Cup appear to support his candidacy for the Golden Boot.
Pricing suggests increased confidence in Messi’s chances, with current probability reflecting a 46% likelihood of him finishing as the top goalscorer.
