Messi hat-trick ties Klose record as France survive Senegal scare

Messi hat-trick ties Klose's all-time World Cup record

Lionel Messi scored three times as Argentina beat Algeria 3–0 on Tuesday, pulling level with Miroslav Klose as the joint-top scorer in World Cup history (7). His wife Antonela Rocuzzo posted a photo with their three sons Thiago, Mateo and Ciro after the match, captioned simply: "Você é incrível", you are incredible (7). The hat-trick makes Messi the central story of the tournament so far.

France come from behind to beat Senegal 3–1

Mbappé and Olise ignored Deschamps' game plan and took over (5). Senegal led at the break, but France scored three second-half goals through Mbappé, Olise and Dembele to win 3–1 (8). Theo Hernandez also got on the scoresheet. Deschamps brought on Mendy, Barcola and Doue as the match opened up (8). Mbappé celebrated his goal by miming a flute, raising questions, and sources report it was a nod to a personal inside joke (11).

Portugal begin their campaign Wednesday

Cristiano Ronaldo starts his final World Cup as Portugal face DR Congo (9). Portugal enter as tournament favourites, with a squad featuring Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, João Neves and Gonçalo Ramos (9). Figo's record as Portugal's World Cup top scorer is one Ronaldo will have in his sights (9). Portuguese media call it the "teoria da consagração", the day Portugal finally step up (10).

Haaland dominates Norway's opener

Erling Haaland produced a statement performance in Norway's first match, with German outlet FAZ writing: "Er kommt Zlatan immer näher", he is getting closer and closer to Zlatan (4). No score was reported, but the dominant display puts Norway on the front foot in their group.

Austria and Jordan make history

Romano Schmid scored a stunning top-corner strike for Austria against Jordan, with the BBC calling it "Wonderful!" (6). Both sides are writing new chapters: Austria are back at the World Cup for the first time in 28 years, while Jordan are making their tournament debut (15). Schmid's goal will be replayed for decades.

Sweden count on Gyökeres and Isak for Netherlands clash

Sweden face the Netherlands on Saturday, and Graham Potter's side will lean heavily on the striker duo of Viktor Gyökeres and Alexander Isak (1). The match is a pivotal group stage test.

Tuchel speaks before England's opener

Thomas Tuchel shared his thoughts ahead of England's World Cup campaign, which begins against Croatia (2). The England camp has been transformed since 2018, with John Stones reflecting on a shift in belief. Jude Bellingham has emerged as the "X-factor", Jordan Henderson called him a loved and vital presence in the squad.

Quick hits from around the tournament

Rudi Garcia discussed his coaching philosophy and his "signature player" from Belgium's base in Seattle (3). Hamza Abdelkarim became Egypt's youngest ever World Cup debutant, and Barcelona are watching the prospect they call "Faraón del Gol" closely (12). In beom Hwang led South Korea's comeback against Czech Republic, drawing comparisons to Vitinha (13). Turkey face Paraguay in a critical Group D match, with Turkish media reporting no pessimism in camp (14).

Fan reactions

The mood online is pure reverence for Messi. One fan on r/soccer wrote that he never thought he'd see anyone touch Klose's record in his lifetime, and now it feels inevitable Messi breaks it outright. The Antonela post with the kids hit hard, multiple threads called it the image of the tournament so far. Join the discussion here

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