Lionel Messi sits on top in the race after the group stage. He has a record‑setting new World Cup record for goals in one tournament. He defeated every competitor in the group games. His tally puts him ahead by multiple goals. The lead is undeniable now. He stays solidly ahead of everyone else. Fans follow the chase with keen interest.
Kylian Mbappé and France’s Ousmane Dembélé lag narrowly. Dembélé is moving up the list. Mbappé is chasing the historic World Cup scoring mark. The race will keep going into the knockout round. It could flip quickly.