Archive · 19 Jul 2026
Messi Chases Mbappé's Record, Golden Boot
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is nearing its end, and the races for the Golden Ball, Golden Boot, and Golden Glove awards are heating up.
Lionel Messi is the favorite for the Golden Ball with eight goals and four assists, aiming to become the first player to win the award three times.
His biggest rival is Spain's Rodri, who has set a World Cup record with 655 passes and anchored Spain's defense, which has conceded only one goal.
In the Golden Boot race, Kylian Mbappé leads with 10 goals, putting him ahead of Messi.
However, Messi's four assists could give him the advantage if he scores a brace in the final.
For the Golden Glove, Argentina's Emiliano Martinez and Spain's Unai Simon are the top contenders.
Additionally, 19-year-old Lamine Yamal is the favorite for the Young Player Award, known for his elite dribbling and decisive fouls.
The final will determine the winners of these prestigious awards.
Lionel Messi is the favorite for the Golden Ball with eight goals and four assists, aiming for a historic third win.
Rodri is Messi's biggest rival for the Golden Ball, setting a World Cup record with 655 passes and anchoring Spain's defense.
Kylian Mbappé leads the Golden Boot race with 10 goals, putting him ahead of Messi.
Emiliano Martinez and Unai Simon are the top contenders for the Golden Glove, with Martinez making crucial saves and Simon helping Spain register six clean sheets.
Lamine Yamal, at just 19, is the favorite for the Young Player Award, known for his elite dribbling and decisive fouls.
- Who
- Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Rodri, Lamine Yamal, Jude Bellingham, Emiliano Martinez, Unai Simon, Harry Kane
- What
- The race for the Golden Ball, Golden Boot, and Golden Glove awards in the 2026 FIFA World Cup
- When
- July 19, 2026
- Where
- 2026 FIFA World Cup
- Why
- To determine the top performers in the tournament based on goals, assists, and overall impact
- Golden Ball Favorites
- Lionel Messi, Rodri, Lamine Yamal, Jude Bellingham
- Golden Boot Leaders
- Kylian Mbappé (10 goals), Lionel Messi (8 goals), Harry Kane (6 goals)
- Golden Glove Contenders
- Emiliano Martinez, Unai Simon
- Young Player Award Favorite
- Lamine Yamal
- Spain's Defensive Record
- One goal conceded in seven matches, six clean sheets
- Argentina's Key Player
- Lionel Messi, 39, aiming for historic third Golden Ball
- France's Top Scorer
- Kylian Mbappé with 10 goals
- England's Driving Force
- Jude Bellingham with seven goals and one assist
Sources
FIFA World Cup 2026 Golden Boot, Golden Ball, Golden Glove Race: Final Standings Before The Final
FIFA World Cup final: Steely resolve vs comeback spirit
Messi eyes Mbappé’s goals record, Golden Boot and back-to-back World Cup titles ahead of Spain final
