KANSAS CITY/NEW JERSEY/BOSTON/SANTA CLARA/SAN FRANCISCO, JUN 17 (IANS): A dramatic day of FIFA World Cup 2026 action saw Lionel Messi equal Miroslav Klose’s all-time scoring record with a hat-trick, Kylian Mbappe inspire France past Senegal, Erling Haaland announce himself on the global stage with a brace for Norway and Austria mark their return to the tournament after 28 years with a win over debutants Jordan.
Messi’s historic hat-trick
Lionel Messi celebrated his record-breaking sixth World Cup appearance by firing a hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria in Kansas City. The 38-year-old talisman equalled Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup scoring record of 16 goals, reaching the milestone in his 200th senior international appearance.
Messi’s opener came in the 29th minute when he rolled his marker and curled a superb finish past Luca Zidane. Algeria responded with spirited moments, notably through Anis Hadj Moussa and Fares Chaibi, but Emiliano Martinez remained untroubled.
After the break, Messi pounced on a rebound from Alexis Mac Allister’s strike to double Argentina’s lead, before completing his hat-trick with a trademark curling effort from the edge of the box.
Already Argentina’s record-holder for most caps (199 before this match) and goals (117), Messi further cemented his legacy as the only player to score in every stage of the World Cup — group stage, round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and final. His performance underlined Argentina’s credentials as defending champions, while Algeria now face Jordan in their next Group J outing.
Mbappe’s double sinks Senegal
In New Jersey, France overcame Senegal 3-1 in a pulsating Group I clash defined by relentless pressing and end-to-end action. Both sides created chances in a goalless first half, with Senegal testing the French defence and forcing saves, while France looked threatening on the counter.
The breakthrough arrived in the 66th minute when Michael Olise’s incisive pass found Kylian Mbappe, who calmly slotted home. Substitute Bradley Barcola doubled the lead in the 82nd minute, racing onto Adrien Rabiot’s pass and finishing confidently.
Senegal pulled one back in stoppage time through Ibrahim Mbaye’s deflected strike, but France responded instantly. Mbappe capped his brace with a stunning long-range effort in the 90+6th minute, sealing victory and reaffirming his status as one of football’s biggest stars.
Mbappe’s goals also saw him climb further up the all-time World Cup scoring charts, continuing his remarkable trajectory at just 27 years of age.
Haaland’s dream debut for Norway
At Boston Stadium, Erling Haaland marked his World Cup debut with a brace as Norway defeated Iraq 4-1 in their Group I opener. Both nations returned to the global stage for the first time this century, but it was Haaland who stole the spotlight.
The Manchester City striker opened the scoring by sliding in at the back post after a flowing move involving goalkeeper Orjan Nyland and David Moller Wolfe. Iraq equalised through veteran Aymen Hussein, who headed home Amir Al-Ammari’s cross to become only the second Iraqi to score at a World Cup.
Haaland restored Norway’s lead after capitalising on a defensive mix-up, giving his side their first-ever halftime lead at a World Cup. Substitute Leo Østigård extended the advantage with a powerful header from a corner, before a late Hussein own goal sealed the result.
Nyland, at 35 years and 279 days, became Norway’s oldest World Cup debutant, while Haaland joined the list of players to score doubles in the opening round, alongside Folarin Balogun, Yasin Ayari, Kai Havertz, Elijah Just, and Mbappe. Norway now top Group I on goal difference ahead of France.
Austria’s triumphant return
In Santa Clara, Austria marked their first World Cup appearance in 28 years with a 3-1 victory over debutants Jordan. Romano Schmid’s 20th-minute strike gave Austria the lead, but Jordan responded after halftime through Ali Olwan, who became the first Jordanian to score at a World Cup with a brilliant solo effort.
Austria thought they had regained the lead in the 67th minute through Marko Arnautovic, but VAR ruled out the goal for a handball in the build-up. Relief came soon after when Jordan defender Yazan Al Arab headed into his own net.
Arnautovic eventually added gloss to the scoreline with a penalty deep into stoppage time, ensuring Austria’s return was marked with three points. Notably, Austria extended their unique record of never playing a goalless draw in 30 World Cup matches.
Jordan, despite defeat, showed promise and history-making moments, with Olwan’s strike a proud milestone for the Nashama.