World Cup 2022 stats: Lionel Messi takes over Golden Boot lead as Argentina advances to finals

Only two rounds remain in a World Cup that has gifted us with goals scored left, right and center. One hat trick has been scored, and it was from an unlikely source, with Goncalo Ramos finding the net three times as he replaced Cristiano Ronaldo in Portugal’s starting lineup. Powering Argentina to the World Cup final with a goal and an assist, Lionel Messi has taken charge of the Golden Boot race with five goals. His three assists breaks the tie with Kylian Mbappe.

Jordan Pickford has been joined by Yassine Bounou and Emi Martinez atop the clean sheet leaderboard. Messi has continued his dominance joining Antoine Griezmann, Harry Kane, and Bruno Fernandes atop the assist leaderboard with three. Nayef Aguerd has also taken the dubious record of scoring the first own goal of this World Cup but was quickly joined by Manuel Neuer as Germany crashed out at the group stage despite defeating Costa Rica 4-2.

Throughout the tournament, we will be tracking some of the most notable stats in Qatar, including the race for the Golden Boot and leaders for assists and clean sheets. While you’re at it, sign up for our new newsletter covering the beautiful game in all its glory, including daily updates about the World Cup, here.

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World Cup statistics

• Matches played: 61/64
• Total goals scored: 161
• Goals per match: 2.64
• Minutes per goal: 34.1
• Braces scored: 17
• Hat tricks scored: 1
• Own goals: 3
• Penalty kick success rate: 70% (14/20) 

Player stats (leaderboard)

Goals

Assists

Clean sheets