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 beat each rival in the group games. His tally puts him ahead by multiple goals. The lead is crystal‑clear now. He stays firmly ahead of everyone else. Fans watch the chase closely.
Kylian Mbappé and France’s Ousmane Dembélé lag closely. Dembélé is climbing the list. Mbappé is chasing the all‑time World Cup scoring mark. The race will press on into the knockout round. It could turn quickly.