US striker Folarin Balogun targets winning Golden Boot race at FIFA World Cup

The Monaco forward has already scored twice in the tournament and admitted that winning the Golden Boot remains one of his ambitions. Speaking at the USA training camp on Monday, Balogun said he was inspired by the consistency of stars such as Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland.

"It's annoying," Balogun joked when asked about the scoring exploits of football's biggest names. "Seeing players like Messi, Mbappe and Haaland, they're so inevitable. They're scoring a goal a game, sometimes more."

The 25-year-old said his aim is to reach that level of consistency.

"For me, it's about trying to get to that level, to be inevitable as well and to be consistent. I'm sure I've got the potential in me to do that," he said.

Balogun enjoyed an impressive season with Monaco, finishing as the club's leading scorer with 19 goals after completing a reported 40 million euro move. He carried that form into the World Cup by scoring twice in the USA's opening victory over Paraguay.

His goals have helped fuel excitement among American supporters as Mauricio Pochettino's side secured top spot in Group D before their final group match against Turkey.

With qualification already secured, Pochettino could choose to rest some key players. Balogun is also one booking away from suspension after receiving a yellow card against Australia, which could make squad management an important consideration.

However, the striker made it clear that he wants to remain involved.

"I want to play every game," he said. "That is the sort of player I am."

"I think the most important thing for a professional athlete is to be available. 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."

Balogun is also chasing another milestone. Former USA captain Landon Donovan remains the country's leading World Cup scorer with five goals, a record Balogun believes he can challenge if the Americans continue their run.

"Hopefully the further we go, the more opportunities I have to score," he said. "Any goal in the World Cup is something that's going to be cherished forever."

The United States face Turkey in their final Group D fixture on June 25 at Los Angeles Stadium, with Balogun hoping to continue his pursuit of both team success and individual honours.