Harry Kane’s triumph in the Golden Boot race has not been greeted with particular enthusiasm in Argentina. Local media have expressed disappointment over Lionel Messi’s fifth-place finish, despite his performances at the 2026 World Cup.
The victory of the English striker of Bayern Munich has drawn the attention of Argentine media, but alongside coverage of Kane’s success, there has also been no shortage of criticism of Lionel Messi’s final ranking.
The well-known sports daily Olé has pointed out that the jury appears to have given more weight to players’ performances with their clubs during the season, thereby favouring Kane over the Argentine star.
According to the Argentine media, Messi’s fifth-place ranking leaves a taste of disappointment, especially considering his impact on the Argentina national team at the 2026 World Cup.
Olé recalls that the Inter Miami captain, eight-time Golden Boot winner, was among the main protagonists of the World Cup tournament, once again leading Argentina to the final.
The newspaper also highlights Argentina’s important victory over England of Harry Kane, where, according to it, Messi put in an extraordinary performance.
“Messi is always the best for us, even though Europeans have chosen the Bayern Englishman as the best of the 2025/26 season, leaving the GOAT in a modest fifth place,” Olé wrote on its front page.