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Messi Has Work to Catch Mbappé for the Golden Boot. A 3rd Golden Ball Is in Reach in World Cup Final
Mbappé reached 10 goals, while Messi can still claim a third Golden Ball after leading Argentina back to the final at age 39.
- On Sunday, Kylian Mbappé secured his second consecutive Golden Boot after Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in the World Cup final, surpassing Lionel Messi in the tournament scoring race.
- Scoring twice in Saturday's 6-4 loss to England, Mbappé reached 10 goals, becoming the first player to hit that mark in a single World Cup since Gerd Muller in 1970.
- Mbappé moved past Messi as the all-time leader in World Cup goals with 22, while Messi finished his tournament with 21 career goals after failing to score in the final.
- Despite the Golden Boot loss, Messi remains a strong contender for the Golden Ball, an honor he won in 2014 and 2022, per the FIFA Technical Study Group.
- Spain took the championship title, while the Golden Glove and Best Young Player Award await final selection by the FIFA Technical Study Group, which will present these honors Sunday.
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Lionel Messi did not score in the final, remaining stuck at 8 goals in this edition, two less than the captain of the French team.
·Paris, France
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Kylian Mbappé wins the 2026 World Championship Gold Scarpa thanks to the 10 goals scored, two more than the 8 of Lionel Messi. Decisive, for the French, the two goals in the final 3/4 place against England, while the Argentine remained dry in the final. (ANSA)
·Rome, Italy
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The IndependentReposted by 
The Independent (US)
The Independent (US)Mbappe beats Messi to win Fifa World Cup Golden Boot
The France forward has edged out the Argentina captain in the most exciting race for the Golden Boot in living memory
·London, United Kingdom
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources67
Leaning Left21Leaning Right8Center25Last UpdatedBias Distribution46% Center
Bias Distribution
- 46% of the sources are Center
46% Center
L 39%
C 46%
15%
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