Lionel Messi's hat-trick against Algeria moved him level with Germany legend Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals, putting the Argentine in position to claim the all-time scoring record. The 2022 champion achieved this milestone in 27 matches, three more than Klose needed. France's Kylian Mbappe sits just two goals behind with 14 and could challenge for the record himself.

Harry Kane matched Gary Lineker as England's leading World Cup scorer on 10 goals during the 4-2 victory over Croatia. The England captain also became only the second Three Lions player to score at three different tournaments, joining Sir David Beckham. Cristiano Ronaldo made history as the oldest outfield player to start a World Cup match at 41 years and 132 days, while extending his record to six tournaments.

Erling Haaland needed just 20 touches to score twice and become Norway's joint World Cup top scorer. France manager Didier Deschamps sits one win from matching Helmut Schon's record of 16 World Cup victories as a coach. The tournament has already seen six red cards shown, exceeding the total from the previous two World Cups combined.

These record pursuits add extra narrative to what's already proving an entertaining competition. With expanded 48-team format providing more opportunities, several historic milestones appear within reach before the knockout stages begin.