The 2026 World Cup is only six days old, and already the tournament is delivering drama that will be talked about for years. Tuesday served up a masterclass from Lionel Messi, the first major VAR controversy that had referees themselves questioning the call, and an injury-forced shakeup to England’s squad just 24 hours before kickoff.
Messi Equals Klose’s All-Time Mark
Argentina’s captain reminded everyone why he’s still the player to fear. In a 3-0 win over Algeria in Kansas City, Messi scored a hat trick—one a curling beauty from outside the box, another a tap-in, and the third a driving finish that pushed his career World Cup total to 16 goals. That ties the record held by Germany’s Miroslav Klose. Given the 38-year-old’s form, it feels less like a question of if he’ll break it, and more like a matter of when.
The match started chaotically, with two goals disallowed inside the first 10 minutes. But once Messi found his rhythm, Algeria had no answer. On his first goal, he received a pass from Rodrigo de Paul, turned, and rifled a shot past Luca Zidane that seemed to defy physics. Even in the twilight of his career, Messi remains the tournament’s gravitational center.
VAR Controversy in New Jersey: Mbappe Denied a Penalty
France’s Kylian Mbappe eventually scored twice to become the nation’s all-time record goalscorer, but the story of the match might be the penalty that wasn’t. With the game against Senegal still scoreless, Mbappe drove into the box and went down under a sliding challenge from Sadio Mane. Referee Alireza Faghani initially signaled a corner, then changed it to a goal-kick after reviewing the play on the pitchside monitor.
The call left French players and staff bewildered. According to the BBC’s resident officiating expert Darren Cann, even some referees were surprised by the decision. Faghani’s explanation: “The attacker initiated the contact.” France still won 2-0, but the debate over the standard for a penalty in this tournament is just getting started.
England Rushes a Roster Change: Livramento Out, Chalobah In
Thomas Tuchel’s England squad took an unexpected hit on Tuesday when Newcastle full-back Tino Livramento pulled up with a calf injury in training. The timing couldn’t be worse—the Three Lions open against Croatia on Wednesday in Dallas. With a deadline of 9 p.m. BST to submit a replacement, Tuchel called up Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah, who was already on a flight to the United States. Chalobah won’t feature against Croatia but will be available for the remainder of the group stage.
Haaland Arrives on the World Stage With a Brace
If Mbappe staked his claim earlier in the day, Erling Haaland answered back. The Norwegian striker scored twice in the first half of a 4-1 win over Iraq, needing just 11 touches to do it. His first was a tap-in, his second came after he pressured Iraq’s keeper into a mistake. Haaland now has 57 goals in 51 caps for Norway, and the duel between him and Mbappe for the Golden Boot promises to be one of the tournament’s defining storylines.
Partey Denied Entry to Canada
Ghana will be without Thomas Partey for their Group L match against Panama in Toronto after a Canadian court dismissed his appeal to overturn a visa denial. The former Arsenal midfielder, who faces trial next year on charges of rape and sexual assault, had launched a last-minute legal challenge. The judge ruled against him, calling his request “extraordinary.” The Black Stars now have to regroup without one of their most experienced players.
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