Argentina’s 38‑year‑old Messi opened the tournament with a hat‑trick, netting all five of his country’s goals and topping the all‑time World Cup tally at 18. His performance pushed him past Germany’s Miroslav Klose, who closed the 16‑goal mark years earlier, setting a new benchmark in only two matches for the season.

France’s Kylian Mbappe matched Klose’s 16 goals in as many games, chasing the legendary Just Fontaine record of 13 in a single tournament. Mbappe’s two braces and a strike‑rate of a goal per match place him squarely in the Golden Boot race, while England’s Harry Kane mirrors his ambition by matching Gary Lineker’s total.

Erling Haaland, Norway’s 25‑year‑old, has already scored four goals across two games, becoming the sixth player to net multiple times in his first two World Cup outings. With 59 goals in 52 international appearances, Haaland’s pace and precision make him a serious contender for the Golden Boot, even if the tournament’s expanded format keeps his path uncertain.

With the group stages still unfolding, the Golden Boot debate hinges on consistency and the ability to convert opportunities. Messi’s early dominance, Mbappe’s relentless scoring, and Haaland’s explosive start set clear benchmarks. The next matches will decide which forward can sustain pace and claim the coveted title outright in the.