Folarin Balogun wants to join elite company. The US striker is chasing the consistency of Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé at the 2026 World Cup.
Speaking at the national team's training base on Monday, Balogun outlined his ambitions for the tournament. He's already netted twice in America's campaign.
"I think it's annoying!" Balogun told reporters. "Seeing players like Messi, Mbappé, and Haaland, they're so inevitable.
They're scoring a goal a game, sometimes more."
His dream is straightforward. Balogun wants to win the Golden Boot and reach their level of reliability in front of goal.
According to him, it requires constant improvement and hard work. "For me, it's about trying to get to that level, to be inevitable as well, to be consistent," he noted.
Balogun arrived at the World Cup in fine form. Playing for Monaco, he scored 19 times last season after his €40 million transfer.
That momentum has carried into the tournament. He bagged both goals in the opening 4-1 demolition of Paraguay last week.
His performances have boosted confidence among the co-hosts. Many observers now see him as central to their knockout ambitions.
But complications loom ahead. Pochettino may rest key players including Balogun for Thursday's Group D fixture against Turkey, with top spot already secured.
A suspension threat also hangs over the striker. He picked up a yellow card against Australia and sits just one booking away from missing the Round of 32.
Another caution would force him out of that critical match. Balogun will need to stay disciplined in the coming games.
