FIFA World Cup 2026: Lionel Messi overtakes Mbappe in golden boot race | FIFA World Cup 2026

Lionel Messi not only guided Argentina into a second consecutive FIFA World Cup final, but also climbed to the top of the Golden Boot standings after producing two decisive assists in the dramatic 2-1 semifinal victory over England.

The 39-year-old, who had gone scoreless for the first time in this year’s tournament, once again proved why he remains Argentina’s driving force. Instead of finding the net himself, Messi turned creator when it mattered most, setting up both goals as the defending champions overturned a one-goal deficit in the closing minutes.

Two moments of magic change everything

Argentina looked destined for elimination after Anthony Gordon’s second-half opener had England on course for the final.

But Messi sparked another remarkable comeback.

In the 85th minute, he slipped the ball to Enzo Fernández, whose long-range strike brought Argentina level. Then, deep into stoppage time, the Argentine captain produced a pinpoint delivery into the box for Lautaro Martínez, who powered home the winning header to send the holders into Sunday’s final against Spain.

Those two assists not only completed Argentina’s turnaround but also pushed Messi ahead in the race to finish as the tournament’s leading attacker.

The Golden Boot is awarded to the tournament’s top scorer, with assists serving as the first tiebreaker when players finish level on goals.

Both Messi and Mbappé have scored eight times in the 2026 World Cup, but the Argentine’s semifinal display moved him to four assists, one more than the French star.

Another comeback, another Messi masterclass

The semifinal heroics continued a familiar trend for Argentina.

In the quarterfinal against Egypt, Messi had also played a decisive role in an astonishing comeback. He assisted Argentina’s first goal before scoring the equaliser just minutes later as Lionel Scaloni’s side recovered from two goals down to stay alive.

Against England, he once again delivered when his team needed inspiration, this time sacrificing personal glory to create both goals.

Although his streak of scoring in nine consecutive World Cup matches came to an end, Messi arguably produced one of his most influential performances of the tournament.

England duo Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham remain mathematically in contention, with both players on six goals and one assist. However, after England’s semifinal defeat, their only opportunity to close the gap will come in the third-place playoff against France.

One final prize left to win

Messi now heads into Sunday’s final against Spain chasing two of football’s biggest honours simultaneously.

Victory would secure Argentina back-to-back World Cup titles, while a goal, or even another decisive assist, could also seal the first World Cup Golden Boot of his illustrious career.

At 39, the Argentine icon is once again on the brink of adding another remarkable chapter to a legacy that continues to redefine greatness.