Messi, Mbappe battle for Golden Boot in World Cup final vs Spain

Lionel Messi needs a hat-trick in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final against Spain to win the Golden Boot over Kylian Mbappe.

Kylian Mbappe scored two goals in France's 4-6 loss to England in the third-place playoff, taking his tournament total to 10 goals.

Mbappe also broke Messi's all-time World Cup scoring record, now at 21 goals.

A brace with at least one assist could also give Messi the Golden Boot if tiebreakers favor him.

Mbappe leads the Golden Boot race with 10 goals; Messi has 8 goals entering the final.