By Aditya
July 16, 2026
First Erling Holland and now Mbappe's exit has cleared the way for Messi in the race for the Golden Boot.
Messi was getting the toughest competition from Mbappe. Both had 8-8 goals.
But, with the defeat of France in the semifinals, Mbappe's journey in the FIFA World Cup 2026 also stopped with 8 goals.
Before that, Erling Holland cannot go beyond 7 goals due to Norway's exit in the quarter-finals.
The big challenge for Messi, who has scored 8 goals so far, is England's Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, who have scored 6-6 goals.
But, if Argentina defeats England in the second semifinal of the FIFA World Cup 2026, then Messi is bound to win the Golden Boot.