Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé are leading the 2026 World Cup scoring race with six goals each, according to The Guardian.
Their tally has sparked anticipation that the men's historic scoring record could be broken this summer.
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Record Chase Intensifies
Messi currently shares the record for most goals at a World Cup finals without winning the Golden Boot with Brazilian legend Jairzinho.
During the 2022 tournament, Messi scored seven goals and led the standings until Mbappé secured a hat-trick in the final to claim the Golden Boot with eight goals.
Messi instead took home the Golden Ball for best player alongside the World Cup trophy.
Jairzinho also netted seven goals during Brazil's title charge, which was not enough to surpass Gerd Müller, who scored 10 goals for West Germany.
The 1954 tournament holds the highest goals-per-game ratio at 5.38.
Max Morlock, Erich Probst, and Josef Hügi scored six goals each but finished behind Sandor Kocsis with 11 goals.
In 1958, Pelé and Helmut Rahn each scored six goals, finishing seven behind Just Fontaine, who recorded 13 goals.
Rob Rensenbrink missed out in 1978 after his stoppage-time shot hit the post, allowing Mario Kempes to secure the Golden Boot and the trophy for Argentina in extra time.
In the Women's World Cup, Heidi Mohr scored seven goals for Germany in 1991 but could not catch Michelle Akers-Stahl, who recorded 10 goals.
Abby Wambach and Ragnhild Gulbrandsen scored six goals each in 2007, falling just short of Brazilian legend Marta, who secured seven goals.
