Lionel Messi will face England in the World Cup semifinals on Wednesday, carrying the opportunity to pull ahead of Kylian Mbappé in the pursuit of the tournament's golden boot.
Both Messi and Mbappé currently share the lead with eight goals each. Messi also holds the record as the all-time top scorer in World Cup history with 21 goals.
England coach Thomas Tuchel acknowledged the challenge Messi presents, describing his performance in the tournament as "incredible." "There are no words left for this kind of achievement, the responsibility and the quality that he shows again in this tournament," Tuchel commented on Messi's campaign.
At 39 years old, this World Cup could potentially be Messi's last. He has the chance to win the trophy for a second time, having previously secured victory in Qatar in 2022, which would surpass the accomplishment of Argentine great Diego Maradona, who led his country to the title in 1986 and was a runner-up four years later.
Argentina is competing to become the first team since Brazil in 1958 and 1962 to win back-to-back World Cup titles.
England's prominent players, Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, are also in contention for the golden boot, having scored six goals apiece.
Even if France does not advance, Mbappé could still increase his goal total if he participates in the third-place match against either England or Argentina.