Lionel Messi is leading the Golden Boot race, but one unexpected World Cup stat has fans debating how Argentina is getting the best out of him.

By Rosalba O'Brien EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ, June 30 (Reuters) - Kylian Mbappe has been on Lionel Messi's heels as both players break new ground in World Cup scoring, but the Frenchman is more obsessed by lifting the trophy in New York on July 19 than becoming marksman supreme.

World Cup fans in New Jersey share their thoughts on whether or not France's Kylian Mbappe could ever surpass Argentina's Leo Messi as the best.

Messi has both taken and missed the most penalties in World Cup history – it's a weakness that has plagued his career

"I just started giggling," said Enoch McCleery, an 8-year-old who was chosen to be the player escort for Argentina star Lionel Messi.

Ahead of his two World Cup group stage matches at AT&T Stadium, inside Lionel Messi, Inc. Attendance, viewership, sponsorships, jersey sales, social reach - whatever Messi touches turns to gold.

The legendary athlete has his sons’ names and birth dates tattooed on his calf.

Mateo, Thiago and Ciro — with wife, Antonella Roccuzzo. See their cutest family photos as the famed soccer star celebrates his milestone birthday today

French captain Kylian Mbappe continued his impressive 2026 FIFA World Cup goal-scoring form as he shattered the all-time knockout goals record while also leapfrogging Argentine great Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race.