United States striker Folarin Balogun has disclosed that he takes inspiration from elite players like Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Erling Haaland, whose consistent scoring ability he describes as inevitable.

Speaking to reporters during training, Balogun admitted that he finds the prolific goal-scoring rate of the game’s top players annoying but motivating.

He also stated that he’s eager to continue climbing the charts and become one of the top goal scorers at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

“I think it’s annoying!” joked Balogun. “Seeing players like Messi, Mbappe, Haaland — they’re so inevitable. I think they’re scoring a goal a game, sometimes more.”

“For me, it’s just about trying to get to that level — to be inevitable as well, to be consistent. And I’m sure I’ve got the potential in me to do that.”

While looking to chase down top scorers like Messi, who recently broke the all-time World Cup scoring record, Balogun also faces tactical decisions, as he is sitting on a yellow card ahead of the knockout rounds.

“That is the sort of player I am,” he said.

“I think the most important thing for a professional athlete in any sport is to be available. I’m no different, so, of course, I want to play.

“But it’s also important to be smart. I wouldn’t want to pick up a yellow card and miss the round of 32.

“Hopefully the further we go, the more opportunities I have to score.

“I mean, any goal in the World Cup is something that’s going to be cherished forever.”