World Cup: ‘It’s Unfair’ — Alan Shearer, Rooney Claim Messi Was Robbed

Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney say Lionel Messi was unfairly denied the Golden Boot, urging FIFA to exclude third-place playoff goals from scoring records.

Former England captains Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney have criticised FIFA’s rules governing the World Cup Golden Boot, arguing that Lionel Messi was unfairly denied the award after Kylian Mbappe finished as the tournament’s top scorer.

The football legends made the comments after Mbappe won the 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot with 10 goals, edging Messi, who completed the tournament with eight goals following Argentina’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the final.

Mbappe boosted his tally by scoring twice in France’s 6-4 loss to England in the third-place play-off on Saturday.

Messi, however, was unable to add to his goal count in what could be his final World Cup appearance, as Spain’s disciplined defence prevented Argentina from registering a single shot on target throughout the 120-minute contest.

Speaking on BBC, Shearer questioned the fairness of allowing goals scored in the third-place play-off to count towards the Golden Boot standings.

“I was observing yesterday’s match, which resembled a testimonial in its nature,” Shearer said.

“France had already been eliminated, yet Mbappe scored two goals. Lionel Messi, meanwhile, was playing in a World Cup final against a Spain team that had conceded only one goal throughout the tournament. That is a far greater challenge.”

Rooney echoed the same view after watching Messi receive his runners-up medal following Argentina’s defeat.

The former Manchester United striker argued that players competing in the final should not be disadvantaged by the scoring opportunities available in the bronze medal match.

“I believe that France’s elimination from the tournament and their participation in the third and fourth playoff match should not be counted,” Rooney said.

“While they do count, I find it quite unjust to Messi.”

Had Messi matched Mbappe’s goal tally, the Argentine captain would likely have won the Golden Boot because of his superior number of assists during the tournament.

Spain’s victory over Argentina completed a remarkable campaign for La Roja, who not only lifted the World Cup trophy but also swept the tournament’s major individual awards.

The debate surrounding FIFA’s Golden Boot regulations has since intensified, with many football fans and analysts questioning whether performances in the third-place play-off should influence the outcome of the competition’s leading goalscorer award.