Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland continue to pace the Golden Boot race at the 2026 World Cup after scoring again in recent matches. Messi, who follows up prior scoring for Argentina, adds to his tally with a brace against Austria, with reports also noting he reaches World Cup all-time leading scorer status. Mbappé also records a second double for his team, as he and Messi keep pressure on the top of the standings. Haaland contributes as well, scoring two goals for Norway, bringing his output in line with the leading trio’s current form. Multiple outlets describe the competition as intensifying, with the three forwards regularly finding the net and their tallies placing them at the top of the Golden Boot rankings. The reports collectively emphasize the same theme: elite scorers are converting key chances and building momentum early in the tournament, keeping the race for the top scorer closely contested.