World Cup Golden Boot race tightens with three-horse race going into quarterfinals

Source: New York Post

The 2026 World Cup has narrowed from 48 teams down to just eight as every goal now carries twice the weight in the race for the Golden Boot.   The Round of 16 provided plenty of drama and excitement as Golden Boot leader Lionel Messi and Argentina were on the precipice of crashing out of the tournament before they rallied from a two-goal deficit against Egypt in the final 11 minutes for a shocking 3-2 victory.   Messi scored the equalizer and reclaimed his lead atop the race ahead of France superstar Kylian Mbappé.