Balogun aims to match Messi in Golden Boot race

United States striker Folarin Balogun has already scored twice in this World Cup. He wants to compete with top scorers like Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe.

While speaking to reporters at the US training camp on Monday, Balogun said he really wants the Golden Boot, which goes to the top scorer of the tournament. He finds it hard to keep up with all the goals from the world's best players.

As he spoke, Messi broke the all-time World Cup scoring record. He scored his fourth goal of the tournament against Austria and added a fifth shortly after.

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

Balogun wants to reach that level too. He said, "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."

Balogun was born in New York but grew up in England, playing for Arsenal’s academy. He now plays for Monaco.

He was the top scorer for the French Ligue 1 club last season, scoring 19 goals after a reported transfer of 40 million euros.

Balogun kept up his good form, scoring two goals in the US opening World Cup win over Paraguay. This win has raised the hopes of the host nation.

But chasing players like Messi may get tricky. The US has already secured the top spot in Group D. Coach Mauricio Pochettino might decide to rest his stars against Turkey on Thursday.

Balogun also got a yellow card against Australia. If he gets another one, he will miss their first knockout match in San Francisco next week.

Balogun said the manager "hasn’t said anything to us" about managing playing time or avoiding yellow cards. He told reporters that he wants "to play every game."

"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."

He added, "But it’s also important to be smart. I wouldn’t want to pick up a yellow card and miss the round of 32."

Balogun also mentioned that he "for sure" plans to catch another record. Landon Donovan is the all-time US leading goal scorer at World Cups, with five goals.

"Hopefully the further we go, the more opportunities I have to score," he said. "I mean, any goal in the World Cup is something that’s going to be cherished forever."