Mbappe leads Messi by two goals in World Cup Golden Boot race

Kylian Mbappe holds a two-goal lead in the race for the World Cup Golden Boot, but Lionel Messi could still surpass him in the final. The tournament's top scorer award will be decided when France face Argentina on Sunday, with Mbappe on five goals and Messi on three. Both players have been instrumental for their teams, and the final offers a direct showdown for the individual prize. Mbappe scored twice in France's quarterfinal win over England and once in the semifinal against Morocco. Messi has scored in four of Argentina's six matches, including a penalty in the semifinal against Croatia. The Golden Boot has been won by a player from the losing side only once since 1990, when Ronaldo took it in 1998 despite Brazil's final defeat. Mbappe, at 23, could become the youngest winner since Thomas Müller in 2010. The final will be the first time two players have faced off for the Golden Boot lead since 2002, when Ronaldo and Miroslav Klose were level before the final. The winner will also be in contention for the Best Player award, which has often gone to the Golden Boot winner in recent tournaments.