The World Cup Golden Boot race: Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar

The world will be watching this summer as the beautiful game travels to Russia with the best nations competing for the World Cup – and the goalscorers competing for the Golden Boot.

The 2014 World Cup Golden Boot was won by Colombia’s James Rodriguez, who set the tournament alight with six goals and goal of the tournament before earning a transfer to Real Madrid shortly after.

Rodriguez finished above Germany‘s Thomas Muller in second with five goals and a trio of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Robin van Persie in third with four goals each.

Here Sportsmail looks at 10 contenders for the accolade at this summer’s FIFA World Cup.

Colombia’s James Rodriguez won the Golden Boot with six goals at the 2014 tournament

Lionel Messi (Argentina)

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is rigorously preparing for his last chance at glory with his country and has been open about how his nation ‘needs to win’. 

The Argentine has remained in the spotlight despite a star-studded attack, with two international hat-tricks since October 2017 and has managed 45 goals in 54 matches this season for Barcelona.

Argentina’s opening match against Iceland is the perfect opportunity for the Barcelona forward to open his account, followed up by two matches against Croatia and Nigeria. 

Favourites to top the group, it is likely the 30-year-old will rack up plenty of minutes throughout the tournament to dazzle defenders and nestle the net.

Argentina’s Lionel Messi is rigorously preparing for his last chance at glory with his country

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

It is no surprise that Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo is among the favourites to win the Golden Boot. 

Ronaldo has already achieved international acclaim as Portugal lifted the 2016 UEFA European Championships and enters the tournament on the back end of another prolific season managing 44 goals in as many matches for Real Madrid.

He is heavily relied upon by his international team-mates and is often involved whenever Portugal score, but Ronaldo may have to be patient as he will face many club team-mates in Portugal’s curtain raiser against Spain. 

It would be foolish to assume he won’t be a danger against all opponents with his sheer presence and finishing ability. 

With Morocco and Iran making up Group B, Portugal’s all-time top goalscorer will expect to reach the knockout stages and make his mark in Russia.

It is no surprise that Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo is among favourites to win the Golden Boot

Antoine Griezmann (France)

The Frenchman who is trademarked for his whacky celebrations will be hoping to emulate his goalscoring antics in a France shirt from two years ago at the 2016 Euros. 

The Atletico Madrid star has scored 29 goals in 49 matches this season and has spearheaded his club to a very respectable second place finish in La Liga this season.

France are among the favourites to win the tournament due to their attacking prowess and resources; with Griezmann the cherry on top. 

The French have a great chance…