Lionel Messi sits on top of the pack after the group stage. He has a impressive new World Cup record for goals in one tournament. He defeated each rival 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 intently.
Kylian Mbappé and France’s Ousmane Dembélé trail closely. Dembélé is moving up the list. Mbappé is targeting the ultimate World Cup scoring mark. The race will continue into the knockout round. It could flip quickly.