+18 | Commercial Content | T&C's Apply | Play Responsibly | Publishing Principles
player-image

LionelMessi

team-imageInter Miami CF

Lionel Messi news

Latest news

Golden Boot GFX

World Cup Golden Boot standings: Messi moves onto seven

The 2026 World Cup is well underway and so is the race for the prestigious Golden Boot - the award given to the tournament's top scorer. There's a long and winding road to be navigated as 48 nations battle for the top prize, but which star will take home the illustrious award? Here, GOAL tracks the tournament's most prolific stars.

World CupArgentina
Argentina ratings 16x9

Romero to the rescue as Messi's Argentina suffer massive scare

Cristian Romero scored an extra-time winner, Lionel Messi grabbed a goal, but Argentina were given a real scare by Cape Verde in an uncomfortable 3-2 win to advance to the World Cup Round of 16. Argentina surrendered the lead twice, and needed extra time to finally gain daylight from a Cape Verde side that, in truth, deserved so much more.

Player ratingsArgentina
Harry Kane Lionel Messi 2026 World Cup

Why Kane becoming Messi-esque for England is a good thing

Harry Kane has become Lionel Messi-esque for England in terms of his value to the collective cause, with Stan Collymore explaining to GOAL why that is a good thing and how the Three Lions’ record goalscorer is benefitting from a mindset that others have lacked. The prolific Bayern Munich frontman is leading another bid for World Cup glory at present, with a star-studded squad often being carried on his back.

H. KaneExclusive
Cristiano Ronaldo Lionel Messi 2026 World Cup Portugal Argentina

Explained: Why Ronaldo gets more criticism than Messi

Cristiano Ronaldo retains the ability to make “people shut their mouth”, Louis Saha has told GOAL, with a former Manchester United team-mate of CR7 explaining why the Portuguese superstar attracts more criticism than fellow GOAT Lionel Messi. Both men are currently on 2026 World Cup duty, with more questions being put to an evergreen European frontman than his eternal South American rival is facing.

C. RonaldoExclusive
Jordan v Argentina: Group J - FIFA World Cup 2026

Scaloni addresses Messi reliance ahead of Cape Verde tie

Lionel Scaloni has defended Argentina's attacking variety ahead of their World Cup knockout opener against tournament surprise package Cape Verde in Miami. The manager insists he remains completely unconcerned by his talismanic captain's heavy goalscoring burden, despite the veteran forward netting six goals during the group stage.

ArgentinaL. Scaloni
Kane-Messi

Gordon suggests Kane is playing at Messi's level

Anthony Gordon has heaped immense praise on England team-mate Harry Kane, claiming the striker is currently operating at a level comparable to Lionel Messi. Gordon's comments follow Kane's dramatic late brace that rescued England from a shock World Cup exit against DR Congo, highlighting his consistency and elite mindset on the biggest international stage.

H. KaneEngland
GFX Golden Ball

World Cup Golden Ball Power Rankings: Messi in at No.1

The 2026 World Cup is underway as those still in contention fight it out for the universally coveted trophy. While the collective prize is the main objective for all competitors, some are already making their claim as the best player of the entire tournament. Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe are currently the top candidates, but they face intense competition as we go further into the knockout rounds.

World CupArgentina
USA v Bosnia and Herzegovina: Round Of 32 - FIFA World Cup 2026

Balogun red card sparks Messi comparison as USMNT fume

The USMNT's victory over Bosnia was overshadowed by Folarin Balogun's controversial red card, with Mauricio Pochettino insisting the striker's challenge was accidental. Alexi Lalas also questioned why a similar incident involving Lionel Messi earlier in the tournament went unpunished, sparking accusations of inconsistent officiating.

F. BalogunUSA
FBL-FRA-LIGUE1-PSG-TRAINING

Messi & Mbappe the stars but Iniesta backs Yamal and Spain for glory

Andres Iniesta has backed Lamine Yamal to guide Spain to a second World Cup star, despite the teenager battling injury issues. Iniesta also highlighted the brilliance of Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, who lead the scoring charts. Spain have progressed to face Austria, while France have already reached the last 16 in a highly unpredictable tournament.

SpainL. Yamal
GFX Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo

Messi-Ronaldo rivalry will never be repeated, says Kahn

Former Germany goalkeeper Oliver Kahn has paid a glowing tribute to the historic rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The Bayern Munich icon believes the two superstars created a unique standard of consistency that world football will never witness again, as both legends continue their historic battle at the World Cup.

C. RonaldoO. Kahn
GFX Lamine Yamal Lionel Messi

‘Messi aside’ - Yamal named 'the best' by Barca co-star Gavi

Spain midfielder Gavi has delivered the ultimate compliment to his Barcelona and international team-mate Lamine Yamal, claiming the 18-year-old sensation is the finest player in world football when excluding Lionel Messi. The duo are chasing World Cup glory, with Gavi backing the recovering winger to handle the immense pressure during their knockout campaign.

L. YamalGavi

Betting spotlight

World Cup 2026 Golden Ball odds: Best player predictions
See more betting articles
Older
Goal.com
Copyright © 2026 Goal All rights reserved. The information contained in Goal may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without the prior written authority of Goal