Lionel Messi sits on top on the leaderboard after the group stage. He has a historic 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 undeniable now. He stays solidly ahead of everyone else. Fans follow the chase intently.
Kylian Mbappé and France’s Ousmane Dembélé lag by a short gap. Dembélé is moving up the list. Mbappé is chasing the ultimate World Cup scoring mark. The race will continue into the knockout round. It could turn quickly.