Mbappe leads Messi in Golden Boot race after seventh World Cup goal vs Paraguay

France captain Kylian Mbappe scored his seventh goal of the 2026 World Cup, a second-half penalty against Paraguay, to secure his team’s place in the quarter-finals. The goal, assisted twice earlier in the tournament, puts Mbappe ahead of Argentina’s Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race despite both being tied on seven goals; Messi has yet to record an assist. Messi did score in Argentina’s 3-2 win over Cape Verde in the previous round but remains assist-less. The nearest challengers are England’s Harry Kane and Norway’s Erling Haaland, each with five goals. England will meet co-hosts Mexico in the round of 16, while Norway faces Brazil. Argentina’s next opponent is Egypt, and France awaits the winner of another last-16 tie.

For Nigerian football fans following the tournament, the Messi-Mbappe duel highlights the individual brilliance that can decide tight matches, and the upcoming fixtures show which conventional powerhouses African sides might encounter later. With Mbappe’s playmaking edge and Messi’s goal-scoring consistency, the Golden Boot contest remains wide open.

Considering the current form and upcoming match-ups, which striker do you think will finish as top scorer, and how might African teams adjust if they face either France or Argentina in later stages?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/07/05/2026-world-cup-mbappe-messi-in-fierce-battle-for-golden-boot/