Lionel Messi sits on top on the leaderboard 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 a clear margin. The lead is undeniable now. He stays firmly ahead of everyone else. Fans follow the chase with keen interest.
Kylian Mbappé and France’s Ousmane Dembélé follow closely. Dembélé is climbing the list. Mbappé is chasing the all‑time World Cup scoring mark. The race will keep going into the knockout round. It could flip quickly.