ATLANTA (AP) — Lionel Messi to face England world cup Wednesday’s semi-final will give him a chance to fend off Kylian Mbappé in the race for the Golden Boot.
Messi and Mbappe are tied with eight goals this tournament. Messi is also the all-time leading scorer with 21 goals in the World Cup.
Stopping him is England’s biggest challenge. in atlanta.
England manager Thomas Tuchel said of Messi: “His performance this season, this tournament, the way he has led the team has been absolutely incredible.” “There are no words for the kind of achievement, responsibility and quality he has shown once again in this tournament.”
This could be the last World Cup for the 39-year-old Messi, who could surpass Argentine great Diego Maradona by winning his second World Cup after winning in Qatar in 2022. Maradona led his country to victory in 1986 and to runners-up four years later.
Argentina is aiming to become the first country to win back-to-back titles since Brazil in 1958 and 1962.
England stars Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are also in contention for the Golden Boot with six goals each.
France lost to Spain in the semi-finals, but Mbappe could add to his tally if he plays in the third-place match against England or Argentina.
___
See more of AP’s World Cup coverage here
