Messi Argentina's fifth top scorer at World Cup

(Xinhua) Updated: 2014-06-26 11:09

Brazil's national soccer team player Neymar eyes a ball during a training session in Teresopolis near Rio de Janeiro, June 25, 2014. [Photo/Agencies]

Golden Boot race starts

The race for the World Cup golden boot turned into a Barcelona battle Wednesday as Lionel Messi's two goals after Nigeria win match Neymar's tournament-leading four goals in three games for Brazil.

Xherdan Shaqiri also vaulted into contention by scoring a hat trick as Switzerland beat Honduras 3-0 to qualify second in Group F. He joined Karim Benzema and Enner Valencia, who could not add to their three tournament goals each as France played out a 0-0 draw against 10-man Ecuador that ensured the French won Group E.

One player who may not be in the reckoning for tournament top scorer is Luis Suarez, who is the focus of a FIFA disciplinary investigation after he appeared to bite the left shoulder of Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini on Tuesday and could be facing a lengthy ban.

He should know soon if he will be sanctioned. Uruguay plays Colombia Saturday in the round of 16.

Messi drew level with Barcelona teammate Neymar when he pounced on a rebound in the third minute and then curled in a freekick shortly before halftime.

The 22-year-old Neymar is relishing playing the World Cup at home and thriving on the pressure that brings.

Following are the leading goal scorers at World Cup after Wednesday's matches:

4 goals: Messi (Argentina), Neymar (Brazil)

3: Van Persie, Robben (both Netherlands), Benzema (France), Mueller (Germany), Rodriguez (Colombia), Shaqiri (Switzerland), E. Valencia (Ecuador)

2: Mandzukic, Perisic (both Croatia), A. Ayew (Ghana), Bony (Cote d'Ivoire), Cahill (Australia), Dempsey (United States), Depay (Netherlands), Gervinho (Cote d'Ivoire), Martinez (Colombia), Musa (Nigeria), Suarez (Uruguay)