Balogun Targets Messi, Mbappé, Haaland-Level Impact At 2026 World Cup

United States forward Folarin Balogun has revealed his determination to reach the level of football’s most prolific goalscorers, identifying Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland as the standards he hopes to match during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

According to reports monitored by Ireporter Online, the striker acknowledged the remarkable consistency displayed by the trio, admitting that their ability to find the net so regularly can be frustrating to watch. However, he noted that their achievements serve as inspiration as he works toward establishing himself among the world’s elite attackers.

Balogun expressed confidence in his own abilities, insisting that he possesses the potential to become a more reliable and decisive goalscorer. He stated that his focus remains on developing the consistency required to perform at the highest level and become a player opponents can always expect to deliver.

The 25-year-old’s remarks come amid his quest to cement his place among the tournament’s leading scorers. With Messi recently setting a new all-time World Cup scoring record, Balogun is eager to continue progressing and leave a lasting impact on football’s biggest stage.

As the competition advances, the former Arsenal striker faces the challenge of managing disciplinary concerns after picking up a yellow card. Another booking could result in suspension and potentially rule him out of a crucial fixture should the United States advance further in the tournament.

Despite the risk, Balogun maintained that he has no intention of changing the aggressive style of play that has contributed to his success. While emphasizing the importance of remaining available for selection, he stressed the need to balance competitiveness with discipline to avoid unnecessary sanctions.

The striker added that every goal scored at a World Cup is a special achievement that remains memorable throughout a player’s career, expressing hope that a deeper run in the tournament will provide him with more opportunities to add to his tally.