Messi trails Mbappé by two goals as World Cup Golden Boot race tightens
Lionel Messi is two goals behind Kylian Mbappé for the World Cup Golden Boot, while both players remain in contention for other individual awards ahead of the final.
Kylian Mbappé increased his World Cup tally to 10 goals after scoring twice in the third-place match, putting him two ahead of Lionel Messi, who has eight. The French striker's total matches the record set by Gerd Müller in 1970 and could secure the Golden Boot, a prize also claimed by players such as Salvatore Schillaci, Davor Suker and Thomas Müller after strong performances in third-place games.
Messi, 39, still has a chance to win the tournament's Golden Ball for best player, a distinction he already holds from 2014 and 2022. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni praised the Argentine as “the history. He is the legend.”
Other individual awards to be presented on Sunday include the Golden Glove for the top goalkeeper and the Best Young Player award for players 21 or younger. Spain's goalkeeper Unai Simón, who has conceded only one goal in seven matches, and 19-year-old forward Lamine Yamal are among the candidates.
The Golden Ball, Golden Glove and Best Young Player are selected by media members from a shortlist compiled by FIFA's Technical Study Group.