Golden Boot race heats up as Messi, Mbappe, Haaland shine

The Golden Boot race at this year's World Cup is shaping up to be one for the ages. Lionel Messi leads the standings with five goals from two matches, while Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland are tied for second with four goals each. This marks only the second time in World Cup history that three players have scored four or more goals after two games, the first since 1954.

Record-breaking performances

Messi opened the scoring spree, netting a double for Argentina against Austria to break the all-time World Cup goals record. Mbappe responded with two goals in France's weather-delayed victory over Iraq on his 100th international appearance. Haaland then scored twice as Norway defeated Senegal to qualify for the last 32, making an impressive start to his World Cup career.

The trio's exploits have drawn comparisons to the greats of the past. French football expert Julien Laurens told BBC Sport: "With the big stars, they want the ball all the time. I guess part of it is that they're not just chasing the Golden Boot, a handful of them are chasing the all-time record too."

Chasing history

Messi, at 38, now leads the all-time World Cup goalscoring chart with 18 goals from 28 games, surpassing Germany's Miroslav Klose (16). Mbappe has equaled Klose's tally with 16 goals in as many matches and is aiming to become the first striker to win multiple Golden Boots. Haaland, 25, is the sixth player to score multiple goals in each of his first two World Cup appearances and has 59 goals in 52 appearances for Norway.

Former Scotland striker Ally McCoist commented on ITV: "In terms of natural footballing ability, Messi is out in front, with Kylian Mbappe probably in second. But in front of goal Haaland is as good as it gets. It is impossible to compare these players. Harry Kane is a better all-round footballer than Haaland as well. But in terms of putting the ball in the back of the net, Haaland is probably the best out there. When it comes to finishing, he takes some beating."

More records in sight

England's Harry Kane, who scored a double against Ghana on Tuesday, has equaled Gary Lineker's World Cup record for England. All four forwards have their sights set on Just Fontaine's 1958 record of 13 goals in a single tournament. Only three players—Fontaine, Gerd Muller (1970), and Sandor Kocsis (1954)—have ever scored double figures at a single World Cup.

Ex-England midfielder Karen Carney added on ITV: "It was a superstar day. Messi stole the show, but what performances from Mbappe and Haaland as well. Let's hope Harry Kane can get in on the act on Tuesday."