Balogun Says He Can Compete with Messi, Mbappé, and Haaland for the 2026 World Cup Golden Boot

United States striker Folarin Balogun said he draws inspiration from elite players such as Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland, whose regular goal‑scoring he describes as inevitable.

During a training interview, Balogun admitted that the prolific scoring rates of the world’s top players are both frustrating and motivating.

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He also expressed a desire to keep moving up the charts and become one of the leading scorers at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

“I think it’s annoying!” joked Balogun. “Seeing players like Messi, Mbappé, Haaland – they’re so inevitable. I think they’re scoring a goal a game, sometimes more.”

“For me, it’s just about trying to get to that level – to be inevitable as well, to be consistent. And I’m sure I’ve got the potential in me to do that.”

While aiming to match top scorers such as Messi, who recently broke the all‑time World Cup scoring record, Balogun also faces tactical considerations, as he is carrying a yellow card ahead of the knockout rounds.

“That is the sort of player I am,” he said.

“I think the most important thing for a professional athlete in any sport is to be available. I’m no different, so, of course, I want to play.”