A Golden Boot race for the ages - but who will come out on top?

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. A Golden Boot race for the ages - but who will come out on top? Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Kylian Mbappe (4), Lionel Messi (5) and Erling Haaland (4) have scored 13 goals between them at the 2026 World CupByAndy CryerBBC Sport Senior JournalistPublished33 minutes agoIt is fast becoming a Golden Boot race for the ages. Lionel Messi leads the way with five goals from two games.

Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland are second in the standings with four goals each. This is only the second time in World Cup history where three players have scored four or more times after two matches - and the first since since 1954. It was another extraordinary few hours of goalscoring from some of the best forwards football has seen.

The Details

Messi was up first - breaking the World Cup goals record with a double for Argentina against Austria. Mbappe responded in kind with two goals in France's weather-delayed victory against Iraq on his 100th international appearance. And it was Haaland's turn soon after, scoring twice as Norway beat Senegal to qualify for the last 32.

Not a bad start to his own World Cup career. Anything one can do, the others can do better. It has that feel about it at the moment - and this is before England's Harry Kane has the chance to add to his opening-day double against Ghana on Tuesday.

There is a growing sense we are seeing something special as the world's best set records tumbling on the sport's biggest stage. French football expert Julien Laurens told Sport: "With the big stars, they want the ball all the time. "I guess part of it is that they're not just chasing the Golden Boot, a handful of them are chasing the all-time record too.

What Experts Say

" Figure caption, Messi becomes World Cup's all-time leading scorerRecords fall on 'superstar day'This tournament started with Germany's Miroslav Klose top of the all-time World Cup goalscoring charts with 16 goals. Two games in and 38-year-old Messi now leads the way with 18 goals from 28 World Cup games, having scored all five of Argentina's goals so far at this edition. But Mbappe isn't far behind.

The Frenchman has pulled level with Klose, scoring 16 goals in as many matches, and will have his sights set on becoming the first striker to win multiple Golden Boots - as will Kane - and eclipsing Messi's total. Laurens said: "We thought it could be the Kylian Mbappe show again because of the incredible record he is chasing, now owned by Lionel Messi. "And how long before we are talking about Manchester City's scoring phenomenon Haaland with the record in his sights?

It won't be by the end of this tournament - but if he keeps up his current rate he will be in the mix in the future. The 25-year-old is just the sixth player to score multiple goals in each of his first two World Cup appearances - and has a remarkable tally of 59 goals in 52 Norway appearances. Former Scotland striker Ally McCoist told ITV: "In terms of natural footballing ability, Messi is out in front, with Kylian Mbappe probably in second.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.