Opening Night in Kansas City
The 2026 World Cup kicked off in Kansas City, Missouri, with a dazzling display from Argentina’s forward line. Lionel Messi, playing his sixth World Cup, opened the tournament with a hat trick against Algeria, a performance that left the stadium roaring.
At 38 years and a few days shy of his 39th birthday, Messi became the oldest player ever to score a World Cup hat trick. The feat also marked his 200th international appearance for Argentina, cementing his place as the nation’s most capped player.
Mbappé’s Early Strike and France’s Response
Across the globe, France began its campaign with a 2‑0 win over an unnamed opponent, thanks to a brace from Kylian Mbappé. The goals pushed Mbappé’s World Cup tally to 14, keeping him in the conversation for the tournament’s top scorer.
Messi’s three goals brought his career World Cup goal count to 16, tying the all‑time record held by Miroslav Klose. The milestone underscored the Argentine’s continued dominance on the world stage, even as younger stars like Mbappé rise.
The night also highlighted the global reach of the tournament, with matches scheduled across continents including Germany, Kuwait, and Algeria. Fans in Argentina celebrated the historic achievement, while analysts noted the symbolic importance of a South American powerhouse opening the competition.
With the group stage still unfolding, Messi’s performance has set a high bar for the Golden Boot race. As he approaches the end of his illustrious career, the tournament offers a final stage to add another chapter to his legend before he potentially hangs up his international boots.