World Cup 2026: Lionel Messi leading Golden Boot race, ahead of pack that includes Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane

At the 2026 World Cup, Lionel Messi and Jonathan David are leading the Golden Boot race after the first week of the group stage. David headlined Canada's historic first-ever World Cup victory with a hat trick, propelling him to the top of the scoring charts. Other contenders in the race include Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and Harry Kane, with assists serving as the tiebreaker if players finish level on goals.