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Every four years, the World Cup arrives and the drama, the action and the memories it creates turn most of the planet into captives of the moment.
This, it feels like we're always saying, was the best World Cup in recent memory.
2026 is no exception. Over just the past few weeks, it has already produced breathtaking moments and unforgettable images. From the opening scenes across all three host nations to the scarcely believable finale between Algeria and Austria in the dying moments of the final group stage match, this magnificent tournament has delivered—and then delivered again.
The knockout rounds promise even more excitement, of course, but this edition may be shaping up to be something far more historic beyond simply crowning a champion on July 19. In fact, it's no longer just quiet chatter among football-loving friends—based on what we've witnessed on the pitch so far, this year's Golden Boot race may be the finest the World Cup has ever produced.
And that's no exaggeration.
One can begin where one always must with these conversations: Lionel Messi. On Saturday evening in Dallas, he became the first player ever to score in seven straight World Cup matches and currently tops this year's standings with a stunning six goals across Argentina's three group stage outings.
That tally alone would have made him the outright or joint top scorer at 12 previous World Cups. Even for someone whose knack for finding the net seems to shine brightest on the grandest stages, you have to admire the 39-year-old for showing absolutely no signs of slowing down, even as he's become the tournament's all-time leading scorer.
Even more encouraging for the seemingly countless fans who have spent this month wandering across the United States in a blue and white No. 10 shirt, La Albiceleste's route to another final—and all those additional chances for Messi to keep adding to his tally—may be the most favorable draw in the bracket.
Argentina will kick off the round of 32 in Messi's current home city of Miami against Cabo Verde. While goalkeeper Vozinha has emerged as a social media sensation and a standout between the posts in recent weeks, Cabo Verde remain the second-lowest ranked side in the latest FIFA standings to advance to the knockouts.
Either Australia or Egypt—neither of whom has delivered a fully convincing 90-minute performance yet, and who have combined to score just one more goal than Messi has on his own—will follow as Argentina's next opponent. That match will also be played indoors in Atlanta, eliminating any concerns about fatigue from sweltering heat and humidity.
Beyond that, Argentina won't face a single top-10 FIFA-ranked side before the semifinals, and they'll surely be keeping a close eye on the defensive vulnerabilities that Brazil, Norway, Mexico and England have each shown, should any of those teams advance that far.
It's entirely reasonable to expect, therefore, that Messi could embark on another deep run in the tournament. As the focal point of a squad that organizes itself around getting him the ball, and given his outstanding form so far, there should be no shortage of further scoring opportunities ahead.
Considering how many rounds he could potentially play this year, it may even be worth keeping Gerd Müller's double-digit haul of 10 goals from Mexico 1970 somewhere in the back of your mind—or perhaps beginning to wonder whether Just Fontaine's all-time record of 13 goals from 1958 is starting to look a little vulnerable.