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Last updated: June 17, 2026, 5:49 AM ET

Messi's Historic Night

Lionel Messi delivered a hat-trick masterclass that wrote him into history as Argentina opened their World Cup campaign with a 3-0 victory over Algeria, tying the record for most World Cup goals at 16 alongside Miroslav Klose. The 37-year-old became the first player to feature in six men's World Cups and left coach Lionel Scaloni without words to describe his brilliance after the performance that rolled back the years. Messi's emotional celebration stemmed from a personal matter completely unrelated to football, adding poignancy to what transcended superstars like Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland on the tournament's opening day.

Mbappé and France's Flying Start

Kylian Mbappé netted a brace that made him France's all-time leading scorer with 27 goals, surpassing Thierry Henry's previous record as Les Bleus defeated Senegal 3-1 in Group I action. The 27-year-old rewrote history books in New Jersey, showing why he is the new Mr. World Cup despite a season filled with criticism and no trophies at club level. While Mbappé grabbed headlines, Michael Olise earned player ratings as France's man of the match, with the Bayern Munich midfielder proving integral to World Cup hopes after waiting for his senior national team opportunity.

Haaland Makes His Mark

Erling Haaland scored twice on his World Cup debut as Norway sank Iraq 4-1 in Boston, continuing his habit of finding the net in major competitions after previously doing so in the Champions League, Bundesliga, and Premier League. The Manchester City striker arrived in style at football's grandest stage, seizing the spotlight with a performance that announced his arrival among the world's elite on the World Cup platform.

European Struggles and Upsets

Austria earned their first World Cup victory in 36 years with a 3-1 Group J triumph over tournament debutants Jordan in San Francisco, while Spain mourned after being held by Cape Verde despite being tournament favorites. The Spanish team dealt with the shock of failing to secure a win against the tiny island nation, with midfielder Mikel Merino admitting they were "