Lionel Messi and World Cup holders Argentina faced Austria in Dallas earlier today with the Argentine great needing one more goal to rewrite the record books.
Messi, who turns 39 tomorrow, drew abreast of Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 World Cup goals when scoring a hat-trick in the 3-0 opening win over Algeria.
The Argentina captain was tearful after his first goal, with it later emerging that his father is recovering from an unspecified health issue.
Photo: EPA
Despite his personal issues and a troubled build-up due to a hamstring injury, Messi’s presence appears to inspire his teammates.
“If anyone thought this group was better off without Leo, today it became clear that Leo is the most important of them all,” said midfielder Alexis Mac Allister after the win against Algeria.
Argentina can qualify for the next round with a victory and would be assured of finishing top of Group J if Jordan fail to beat Algeria today.
Mbappe’s century
Another player chasing the all-time World Cup scoring record, Kylian Mbappe, plays his 100th game for France when they meet Iraq in Philadelphia.
“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,” Mbappe said.
Mbappe is tied with West Germany legend Gerd Mueller on 14 goals after he scored twice in France’s opening 3-1 win against Senegal in Group I.
France, who were beaten by Argentina on penalties in the last final in 2022, expect to brush aside the Iraqis to guarantee a ticket to the knockout phase.
Norway and their marksman Erling Haaland, who scored twice against Iraq in a 4-1 opening win, would also be guaranteed of going through from Group I if they beat Senegal in New Jersey and France defeat Iraq.
Cabo Verde magic
In Sunday’s action, Spain got their campaign back on track with a 4-0 thrashing of Saudi Arabia and debutants Cabo Verde conjured another memorable performance to pull a 2-2 draw with Uruguay.
European champions Spain were frustrated in a 0-0 draw with World cup debutants Cabo Verde in their opening game, sparking criticism at home.
Against the Saudis, Barcelona star Lamine Yamal opened the scoring as he made his first start in two months since recovering from a hamstring problem. Mikel Oyarzabal added two more, before a Hassan al-Tambakti own goal.
Spain coach Luis De la Fuente said his squad had been fuelled by the criticism of their opening performance.
“When someone questions your work, it is only human that anyone with courage and pride reacts to prove people wrong,” said De la Fuente.
The win put Spain top of Group H with four points after two matches.
Cabo Verde grabbed another point in an entertaining draw with Uruguay in Miami.
Their coach Bubista said his team were dreaming of a place in the knockout rounds — a scenario that would have been unthinkable before the tournament.
“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 today in today’s match,” Bubista said.
Belgium are still looking for their first win after being held to a 0-0 draw by Iran in Group G.
The Red Devils, who drew with Egypt in their opening game, finished the game in LA with 10 men and struggled to break down a resolute Iranian side.
The Egyptians moved to the top of the group on Sunday after coming from behind to claim the first World Cup victory in the country’s history, 3-1 win over New Zealand.
Mohamed Salah, Mostafa Zico and Trezeguet scored Egypt’s goals after Finn Surman had given New Zealand the lead.
“It’s incredible, I don’t know how to express it in words,” former Liverpool star Salah said of the historic first win. “It’s a great achievement for all the players and the subs, and hopefully we can make history and qualify first.”
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LEVEL WITH KLOSE: The questions over Lionel Messi’s fitness were allayed as he scored a hat-trick to draw level with Germany’s Miroslav Klose on goals Lionel Messi on Tuesday used the front of his white-and-blue, sweat-soaked jersey to wipe the tears from his eyes, a flood of emotions cracking his usually calm, confident demeanor after he gave Argentina an early lead in their opener at the FIFA World Cup with a 3-0 win against Algeria. Then he scored twice more. Suddenly, any questions about Messi’s hamstring injury, or whether he could help Argentina become the third team to win consecutive World Cups — even as his 39th birthday approaches next week — had been answered. With a brilliant hat trick in their win over Les Fennecs at
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