World Cup 2022: Top Scorers Battle Rages on Between Mbappe and Messi

• The race for the World Cup Golden Boot is taking shape as the tournament enters its final stage
• PSG superstars Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe are leading the hunt for the prestigious prize
• They are expected to face competition from their teammates Olivier Giroud and Alvarez

Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe look set to go head to head for the 2022 World Cup Golden Boot award.

The two Paris Saint-Germain stars have enjoyed a fine run of form at the ongoing tournament in Qatar.

The duo has scored five goals each so far in the tournament, with Mbappe having a golden opportunity to pull away from Messi when France face Morocco in the semi-finals on Wednesday night.

Mbappe initially looked like the firm favourite to collect the prestigious award, especially after Portugal, Spain, and England were eliminated from the tournament.

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However, Messi's strike against Croatia on Tuesday night now means the Frenchman will have to do more to stand a realistic chance of winning the prize.

Alvarez, Giroud eye Golden Boot

Incredibly, Messi and Mbappe will also be facing stiff competition from their teammates in their bid to win the Golden Boot.

Both Julian Alvarez and Olivier Giroud are in the frame for the award, with the duo boasting four goals each.

Alvarez laid a stake on the prestigious award after he scored a brace against Croatia to take his tally to four.

Giroud, meanwhile, has equally been in good form and will be hoping to continue with his goalscoring streak against the Atlas Lions.

Below are the 2022 World Cup top scorers:

1. Kylian Mbappe (France) - 5 goals

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2. Lionel Messi (Argentina) - 5 goals

3. Olivier Giroud (France) - 4 goals

4. Julian Alvarez (Argentina) - 4 goals

5. Goncalo Ramos (Portugal) - 3 goals

6. Marcus Rashford (England) - 3 goals

7. Alvaro Morata (Spain) - 3 goals

8. Cody Gakpo (Netherlands) - 3 goals

9. Richarlison (Brazil) - 3 goals

10. Bukayo Saka (England) - 3 goals

Messi's last dance

Sports Brief has also reported that Messi has confirmed he will make his final bow at the World Cup when Argentina takes on either France or Morocco on Sunday, December 18.

Messi inspired Argentina to the finals of the 2022 Mundial, providing a sublime assist while scoring a thumping goal from the penalty spot as Argentina trounced Croatia in the semifinals.

After suffering heartache in the 2014 finals against Germany, the 35-year-old will want to bow out of the global showpiece in grand style, when he tries to bring Argentina its first World Cup title since 1986.