Mbappe’s threat looms over Messi’s golden boot, world’s eyes set on third place match before World Cup final

New Delhi . The FIFA World Cup 2026 has reached its final stage and now the eyes of the whole world are fixed on the title match between Argentina and Spain. Along with the fight for the trophy, this time the biggest discussion is also about the Golden Boot award. Argentina captain Lionel Messi and France’s star striker Kylian Mbappe both are on top with eight goals each. In such a situation, every major event happening before and after the final can decide the direction of this prestigious individual honour.

Argentina is standing on the threshold of winning the World Cup for the second consecutive time and this tournament is considered very special for Messi. In the final World Cup of his career, he not only wants to make the team champion again but is also close to adding a new chapter to his personal achievements. If he performs impressively in the finals, his claim for big awards like Golden Boot and Golden Ball can also be strengthened.

However, the biggest challenge facing Messi is Kylian Mbappe. France may have been out of the race for the final after losing to Spain in the semi-finals, but in the match for third place, Mbappe has an opportunity to increase his number of goals. This is why the race for the Golden Boot is still wide open and the final decision may change even before the final.

According to FIFA rules, if two players have equal goals then the winner is decided on the basis of assists. At present, Messi has four assists in his name, while Mbappé has three assists in his account. Due to this additional assist, Messi is currently considered to be ahead in the race for the Golden Boot. But this lead is not completely safe because Mbappe has a chance to play one more match.

If Mbappe succeeds in scoring a goal in the third place match, he will overtake Messi with nine goals. In case of scoring two or more goals, there will be additional pressure on Messi even before the final. In such circumstances, it may be almost mandatory for the Argentina captain to score a goal against Spain, so that they can regain the top position.

The impact of this match is not limited to the Golden Boot only. Messi has so far scored 21 goals in World Cup history, while Mbappe has come very close to him with 20 goals. If France’s star player is successful in scoring two goals in the third place match, then he can leave Messi behind in terms of scoring most goals in the World Cup. This is the reason why this match before the final is also considered important in the history of world football.

Now the eyes of the whole world are fixed on two big matches. On one hand, the match for third place can change the picture of the Golden Boot, while on the other hand, the final between Argentina and Spain will decide whether Messi can end his illustrious career with a World Cup trophy, Golden Boot and a new record. For football lovers, this will not only be a title match but also an opportunity to see history being made.