Argentina's forward, Lionel Messi celebrates after winning the 2026 World Cup round of 32 football match between Argentina and Cape Verde at the Miami Stadium in Miami Gardens on July 3, 2026. (Photo: AFP)
Lionel Messi has emerged as the leading contender for the adidas Golden Boot and climbed to the top of FIFA’s Creativity Power Rankings ahead of Sunday’s 2026 World Cup final against Spain.
FIFA released the updated rankings and Golden Boot standings on Thursday following the conclusion of the semi-finals.
The Argentina captain leads the Golden Boot race with eight goals and four assists, edging France’s Kylian Mbappe, who also has eight goals but only three assists.
Under FIFA’s rules, assists serve as the first tiebreaker when players finish level on goals.
