Lionel Messi is leading the Golden Boot race, but one unexpected World Cup stat has fans debating how Argentina is getting the best out of him.

The prospect of facing World Cup record goalscorer Lionel Messi in a knockout game would strike fear into most defenders, but not Roberto Lopes, according to the Cape Verde defender's mother.

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,

Lionel Messi became the first player in history to score in seven consecutive World Cup games. The 39-year-old scored with a free kick after coming off the bench as Argentina won 3-1 against Jordan. It was Messi's sixth goal of the 2026 World Cup and he leads the Golden Boot race by two goals.

ESPN's By The Numbers brings you best stats from the World Cup action on July 1.

After two decades of dominance at the World Cup, Lionel Messi has proved himself to the Argentinean faithful. Now he has nothing to lose.

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that Lionel Messi, the World Cup’s leading scorer, will start on the bench against Jordan on Saturday night. “Leo will go to the bench,” Scaloni said at a press conference on Friday. “I’ll hold off on the final starting lineup, but Leo will come in later.”

Soccer fans wonder why Folarin Balogun got a red card but not Messi against Algeria.