The event opened with Miroslav Klose of Germany holding the record for most World Cup goals at 16.

After just two matches the 38-year-old Messi has taken the lead with 18 goals across 28 World Cup appearances, netting every one of Argentina's five goals in this competition so far.

Mbappe remains close on his heels.

The French forward has matched Klose's mark with 16 goals in an equal number of games and aims to become the first player to claim successive Golden Boots, a feat Kane also targets while surpassing Messi's mark.

Laurens noted: "We expected the Kylian Mbappe show to resume given the historic tally now held by Lionel Messi."

Attention will soon turn to Manchester City's prolific Haaland and whether the record could eventually fall to him. That outcome will not occur here, yet his scoring pace suggests future involvement.

The 25-year-old stands as only the sixth player to find the net multiple times in each of his opening two World Cup outings, boasting an impressive 59 goals in 52 matches for Norway.

Former Scotland forward Ally McCoist told ITV: "Messi leads in pure skill, followed closely by Kylian Mbappe. Yet Haaland stands unmatched when presented with a scoring chance."

"Direct comparisons prove difficult. Harry Kane offers greater all-round qualities than Haaland."

"Still, when the task is simply finishing, Haaland ranks among the finest. His clinical edge is hard to match."

Ex-England midfielder Karen Carney remarked on ITV: "It proved a day for stars. Messi captured attention, yet Mbappe and Haaland delivered outstanding displays too. Hopefully Harry Kane joins the scoring on Tuesday."

Mark after mark has tumbled since the opening day for these prolific attackers.

Messi's ascent to the all-time World Cup scoring summit has rightly dominated coverage.

Others have also etched their names into history during this event.

Mbappe now heads France's scoring list, Haaland leads Norway's World Cup goal chart after only two fixtures, and Kane has matched Gary Lineker's England World Cup tally.

Each will eye France's Just Fontaine and his 1958 mark of 13 goals in a single tournament.

Just three players, Fontaine, Gerd Muller of Germany in 1970 and Hungary's Sandor Kocsis in 1954, have reached double figures in one World Cup.

That exclusive group could expand before this edition concludes.

The expanded 48-team setup has clearly boosted scoring opportunities. Extra matches against lower-ranked sides have allowed top attackers to excel.

Champions must now navigate an additional round, further raising goal prospects.

Former France defender Gael Clichy told BBC Sport: "Kylian Mbappe belongs to a group that carries no fear."

"When I began, respect for veterans meant avoiding tricks like nutmegs on senior players."

"This group shows respect in its own way. Focus rests on output rather than age."

That returns focus to the Golden Boot chase.

"It is not on my mind at present," Mbappe stated. "Leo scores constantly. He always has and always will."

"Watching him would only add pressure, so I avoid tracking his progress. My focus stays on the team, and goals follow from that effort."

Norway manager Stale Solbakken has championed Haaland.

"He ranks as the top striker, scoring for Norway rather than France or Argentina. Four goals already, including two braces on the grandest stage," he said.

"Securing the Golden Boot proves simpler with France or Argentina, yet we will seek more opportunities and support for Erling. He remains in top form and I am delighted he can deliver at this level."

USA forward Folarin Balogun has opened with two goals in his first two appearances.

He captured the situation aptly with a quip: "It can frustrate. Watching Messi, Mbappe and Haaland proves relentless. They seem to score at least once per game, often more."

"My aim is simply reaching that standard, becoming just as consistent."