Messi leads the 2026 World Cup top scorers list, while Ronaldo is yet to hit his competitive stride.

The race for the 2026 World Cup Golden Boot is already heating up, even from the very first group stage match. Argentina National Team captain Lionel Messi currently leads the provisional goalscoring rankings, after netting a hat-trick to guide Argentina to a 3-0 victory over Algeria.

Messi was the star of La Albiceleste's opening Group J win against Algeria. His three goals placed the Argentine legend at the top of the temporary top scorers list with 3 goals to his name.

However, Messi's position is far from secure. Just one day later, England National Team captain Harry Kane applied pressure when he scored a brace as The Three Lions defeated Croatia 4-2 in their opening Group L fixture at Arlington Stadium, Texas, early Thursday WIB.

Kane's two goals laid the foundation for England's victory. The other two goals were contributed by Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford, while Croatia responded with goals from Martin Baturina and Petar Musa.

That brace against Croatia puts Kane firmly among the strong contenders for the 2026 World Cup Golden Boot. England's lead striker sits just one goal behind Messi, and is part of the group of players currently on two goals.

Alongside Kane, a number of big names also showed their finishing sharpness on the first matchday. France striker Kylian Mbappé scored twice as Les Bleus beat Senegal 3-1. Meanwhile Norway striker Erling Haaland bagged a brace as his side thrashed Iraq 4-1.

The competition grew even tighter as Germany forward Kai Havertz also scored two goals. It is not only elite European players either: surprise names including Sweden midfielder Yasin Ayari, New Zealand forward Elijah Just, and United States striker Folarin Balogun have also joined the race.

Elsewhere, all eyes were on Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo. The 41-year-old failed to open his goalscoring account after Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by the Democratic Republic of Congo. Ronaldo did not even manage a single shot on target throughout the entire match.

With the full group stage still remaining, the race for top scorer is predicted to grow even fiercer. Messi may hold the early lead, but Kane, Mbappé, Haaland and a host of other lethal finishers are ready to apply pressure in the hunt for the 2026 World Cup Golden Boot title.

2026 World Cup Provisional Top Scorers

3 Goals
Lionel Messi (Argentina)

2 Goals
Kylian Mbappé (France)
Erling Haaland (Norway)
Kai Havertz (Germany)
Harry Kane (England)
Yasin Ayari (Sweden)
Elijah Just (New Zealand)
Folarin Balogun (United States)