Birmingham City U18 Overview

The 2026 World Cup is underway and so is the race for the prestigious Golden Boot - the award given to the tournament's top scorer. There's a long road ahead as 48 nations battle for the top prize, but which star will take home the illustrious award? Here are GOAL's predicted candidates for the prize as we keep track of the tournament's most prolific stars

Former England international Gabby Agbonlahor has backed Lionel Messi to win the Premier League and Champions League if he signs for Aston Villa. The pundit also tipped the Argentina captain, who recently became the all-time leading goalscorer in the global tournament with 18 goals, to continue playing at the highest level and grace the 2030 World Cup at the age of 43.

Antonela Roccuzzo took to social media to celebrate her husband Lionel Messi after the Argentina captain broke the all-time World Cup goalscoring record. Watched by his proud family in Dallas, the forward scored twice in a thrilling 2-0 victory over Austria, taking his tournament tally to 18 goals and surpassing Miroslav Klose to make football history.

Luis Suarez has lauded Lionel Messi following his record-breaking exploits for Argentina at the 2026 World Cup. The Inter Miami striker expressed his joy at seeing his close friend perform at the highest level after Messi became the outright top scorer in World Cup history. Suarez insisted that watching Messi play remains an absolute pleasure as the team target tournament glory.