Messi Leads 2026 World Cup Golden Boot Race as Argentina Clinch 50th Victory
Lionel Messi's free-kick against Jordan gave him six goals, putting him ahead in the Golden Boot race, while Argentina secured its 50th World Cup win.
Lionel Messi moved to the top of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Golden Boot standings after scoring a free-kick in Argentina's 3-1 group-stage win over Jordan on Sunday, bringing his tournament tally to six goals. The French forwards Ousmane Dembélé and Kylon Mbappé, Brazil's Vinícius Júnior and Norway's Erling Haaland each have four goals.
Messi also surpassed Brazil legend Rivellino's record for the most World Cup goals scored from outside the penalty area, registering his sixth such goal in the match. The goal raised his overall World Cup total to 19, extending his record as Argentina's leading scorer in the competition.
The Argentine side completed the group stage with three wins, and the victory marked the nation's 50th World Cup win, a milestone previously reached only by Brazil and Germany.
"He became the first men's player to score in seven successive FIFA World Cup appearances," tournament officials noted.
"He joined an exclusive list by scoring in all three group-stage matches of a single World Cup," officials added.