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 each rival in the group games. His tally puts him ahead by multiple goals. The lead is clear now. He stays comfortably ahead of everyone else. Fans follow the chase closely.
Kylian Mbappé and France’s Ousmane Dembélé trail narrowly. Dembélé is moving up the list. Mbappé is targeting the all‑time World Cup scoring mark. The race will keep going into the knockout round. It could turn quickly.