The Times of India

Mbapp vs Messi: Why France star leads Golden Boot race despite being level on goals

Kylian Mbapp has moved ahead of Lionel Messi in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Golden Boot race despite both stars being level on eight goals. FIFAs tiebreaker rules favour Mbapp due to his three assists compared to Messis one. With Erling Haaland and Harry Kane still in contention, the battle for the tournaments top scorer remains wide open.