Lionel Messi tops World Cup Golden Boot race after Argentina beats England

Argentina defeated England 2‑1 in the World Cup 2026 semifinal, with Lionel Messi providing two decisive assists. The win secured Argentina's place in the final against Spain.

Messi's tournament tally reached eight goals, matching France's Kylian Mbappé, but his four assists give him the tiebreaker for the Golden Boot. Mbappé also has eight goals but only three assists. The statistics place Messi ahead in the race for both the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni praised his players' resolve, noting that “when we have difficulties … we feel the smell of blood and fight with everything we have.” The result has heightened anticipation for the final and underscored Messi's pivotal role in the tournament.