Lionel Messi sits on top on the leaderboard after the group stage. He has a impressive new World Cup record for goals in one tournament. He defeated all other players in the group games. His tally puts him ahead by a clear margin. The lead is clear now. He stays firmly ahead of everyone else. Fans monitor the chase intently.
Kylian Mbappé and France’s Ousmane Dembélé follow narrowly. Dembélé is rising the list. Mbappé is pursuing the all‑time World Cup scoring mark. The race will press on into the knockout round. It could shift quickly.