The Race for the World Cup Golden Boot

One of the most fascinating aspects of World Cup's is the race to finish as the competition top scorer and claim the Golden Boot award. World Cup will be no different, as the world best forwards go head-to-head for the biggest individual honour in Russia this summer. Here are the likely contenders to win the coveted Golden Boot:

Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Arguably the best player on the planet, Barcelona's Lionel Messi favourite to finish as the top scorer in Russia. The 30-year-old enjoyed another special season in front of goal for the Catalan giants helping Ernesto Valverde's side to the Spanish title and Copa del Rey.

The diminutive forward fired the Albiceleste to the final of the 2014 edition of the competition and will be keen to go one step further by lifting the trophy with his national team. An international trophy would add weight to his claim to be the best footballer ever to grace the beautiful game.

Antoine Griezmann (France)

The 27-year-old is part of a highly talented and rated Les Bleus squad heading into this summers tournament. Griezmann heads into the World Cup on the back of another prolific campaign in front of goal for Atletico Madrid, who may retain the striker this summer despite interest from Barcelona and Manchester United.

Griezmann helped Atletico to the Europa League title and a second-place in La Liga. He is no doubt one of the best forwards in the competition.

Neymar (Brazil)

The poster boy of Brazilian football, Neymar has recovered from injury just in time to attempt to help the Selecao lift the trophy this summer. The PSG forward is already Brazil's top scorer and it was the forward's absence that was the catalyst to their exit on home soil four years ago. He certainly has the supporting cast to help him pick up the award in Russia.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

The 33-year-old once again enjoyed a goal-filled campaign with Real Madrid, helping Los Blancos to win the Champions League title. The five times Ballon d'Or winner is always a threat tom opposition defences. However, despite being prolific, his teammates are not as productive as some of his rivals in the race for the Golden Boot. Ronaldo did score 15 goals in qualifying and his country's top scorer, as well as record appearance holder.

Gabriel Jesus (Brazil)

Despite his tenure years, Gabriel Jesus will lead Brazil's forward line. The youngster endured a season interrupted by injuries. However, the 21-year-old still scored 17 goals and produced five assists in 42 appearances in all competition.

With the likes of Neymar, Philippe Coutinho and Willian to assist him, the youngster could make a big impact in Russia this summer.

Harry Kane (England)

The Tottenham forward missed out on a hat-trick of Premier League Golden Boot awards last season, as Liverpool's Mohamed Salah pipped him to the English top-flight award. The 24-year-old still managed an impressive tally of 41 goals in 48 appearances in all competitions.

If England are to go deep into the competition, then the Three Lions will need their new captain to be in good form this summer.