Messi finishes World Cup 2026 group stage as leading scorer

Lionel Messi, captain of Argentina, has completed the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the tournament’s top scorer.

The 39-year-old forward netted six goals in three matches to take sole possession of first place in the scoring charts, according to local media.

Messi opened the tournament with a hat-trick against Algeria, followed by a brace against Austria. He then added another goal in Argentina’s final group-stage match against Jordan.

The Argentine star is followed by Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Vinícius Júnior and Erling Haaland, who have each scored four goals. Several other players finished the group stage with three goals.

In the Round of 32, Argentina will face Cape Verde, giving Messi another opportunity to extend his lead in the race for the Golden Boot.

By Jeyhun Aghazada