Messi Chases World Cup Glory as Argentina Prepares for Austria
Lionel Messi steps into Dallas on Monday with the World Cup at his feet and history within touching distance.
One more goal. That is all he needs to stand alone.
The Argentina captain, who turns 39 on Wednesday, drew level with Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup record of 16 goals by scoring a hat-trick in the 3-0 opening win over Algeria. The first of those three brought him to tears. Only later did it emerge that his father is recovering from an unspecified health issue.
The emotion was raw, and so was the response from his teammates.
Messi arrived at this tournament under a cloud, nursing a hamstring problem and doubts over how much he could give. Yet his presence on the pitch against Algeria did what it has done for almost two decades: it lifted everyone in blue and white.
“If anyone thought this group was better off without Leo, today it became clear that Leo is the most important of them all,” said Alexis Mac Allister after the win. It was less a defence of Messi than a reminder of the obvious.
Now comes Austria in Dallas, and with it the chance for Argentina to book a place in the next round. A victory would be enough to qualify, and if Jordan fail to beat Algeria later on Monday, it would also seal top spot in Group J. The stakes are clear. So is the subplot.
Messi is chasing a record. Argentina are chasing another title. The two stories feel inseparable.
Mbappé hits 100 as France eye safe passage
On the other side of the bracket, another forward is stalking Klose’s mark from a different angle.
Kylian Mbappé will make his 100th appearance for France when they face Iraq in Philadelphia. A century of caps at 27, marked not in a testimonial but in the heat of a World Cup group game.
“There is nothing bigger — one hundred is a historic figure, and to have the chance to reach that tally here at a World Cup means it will be a special match for me,” Mbappé said on Sunday.
He already has 14 World Cup goals, level with West Germany legend Gerd Müller, after striking twice in France’s opening 3-1 win over Senegal in Group I. The goals keep coming, the records keep falling into view.
France, beaten by Argentina on penalties in the 2022 final, will expect to handle Iraq and secure a place in the knockout phase. The forecast in Philadelphia hints at thunderstorms, the kind of disruption that can turn a routine assignment into something more awkward. On paper, though, this is a fixture world champions in waiting are supposed to control.
Group I could be all but settled by the end of the night. Norway, with Erling Haaland already in full stride after scoring twice in a 4-1 victory over Iraq, will also be guaranteed progress if they beat Senegal in New Jersey and France do their part against Iraq. Haaland has his own ruthless rhythm, and Senegal must find a way to slow him down.
Spain respond, Yamal returns, and Cape Verde keep dreaming
Sunday belonged to Spain and to a small island nation refusing to play by the script.
Spain, stung by criticism after a flat 0-0 draw with Cape Verde in their opener, tore into Saudi Arabia and came away with a 4-0 win that felt cathartic as much as clinical. The European champions had been accused of lacking edge. They answered that charge.
Lamine Yamal, the Barcelona prodigy, set the tone. Making his first start in two months after recovering from a hamstring injury, he opened the scoring and instantly changed the mood around Luis de la Fuente’s side. The tension of the first match evaporated.
Mikel Oyarzabal added two more, and a Hassan al-Tambakti own goal completed the rout. Spain climbed to the top of Group H with four points from two matches, and their coach did not hide what had driven the reaction.
“When someone questions your work, it is only human that anyone with courage and pride reacts to prove people wrong,” De la Fuente said. Spain had heard the noise. They used it.
Cape Verde, meanwhile, refused to fade into the background after that opening draw with Spain. In Miami, the World Cup debutants produced another spirited display to earn a 2-2 draw with Uruguay, a result that keeps their improbable campaign very much alive.
Their coach, Bubista, admitted the scale of the shift.
His team arrived as outsiders, expected to enjoy the experience and then quietly exit. Now they are talking about the knockout rounds.
“We want to show the entire world that we are in the condition to fight for qualification, and I think that that’s what we showed in today’s match,” Bubista said. The message is clear: Cape Verde are not here for the postcard.
Belgium stall, Iran leave a different kind of mark
Not everyone is finding their stride.
Belgium, still searching for their first win, were held to a 0-0 draw by Iran in Group G in Los Angeles. After another draw, this time with 10 men, the Red Devils again struggled to break down a disciplined, organised opponent. The promise of a reset after the end of their so-called golden generation has yet to translate into results.
Iran’s story stretches beyond the pitch. The team are competing while their country and the United States negotiate to end their war, an extraordinary backdrop to a goalless stalemate in California.
When the players left Los Angeles Stadium, they did so having written a message on the dressing-room wall.
“May peace, respect and friendship prevail among all nations,” it read, followed by a note of gratitude: “Thank you, Los Angeles for your hospitality. And thank you to every Iranian who gave their heart, voice and soul for Iran throughout these 180 minutes.”
They signed off with a final line that cut through the noise of tactics and tables: “We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honour, and left with dignity. May peace, respect and friendship prevail among all nations.”
On a day defined by goals, milestones and the chase for history, it was a reminder that this World Cup is carrying more than just football on its shoulders.
