Story by Lawrence Trusida,Sports Editor
THE world’s biggest football stars took centre stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday evening and into the early hours of Wednesday, with Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland producing memorable performances for their respective nations.
At MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, France secured a 3-1 victory over Senegal in their Group I clash, inspired by a brace from Kylian Mbappe.
Bradley Barcola was also on target for France national football team, while Ibrahim Mbaye scored a late consolation goal for Senegal national football team.
Mbappe’s two goals took his FIFA World Cup tally to 14, drawing level with Gerd Müller and moving him within two goals of the all-time tournament scoring record held by Miroslav Klose.
In Kansas City, Lionel Messi produced a vintage display, scoring a hat-trick as defending champions Argentina national football team cruised to a 3-0 victory over Algeria national football team.
The 38-year-old also etched his name deeper into football history by becoming the first player to feature at six FIFA World Cups and equalling Klose’s record of 16 World Cup goals.
Meanwhile, in Boston, Erling Haaland marked his FIFA World Cup debut in style, scoring twice as Norway national football team defeated Iraq national football team 4-1.
The Manchester City forward’s brace lifted his international goals tally to an impressive 57 goals in 51 appearances for Norway.
Elsewhere, Austria national football team rounded off the day’s action with a comfortable 3-1 victory over Jordan national football team.
With the tournament gathering momentum, football’s biggest names continue to deliver on the grandest stage, setting up what promises to be a thrilling race for World Cup glory.
