The FIFA 2026 World Cup, co-hosted across North America, is delivering no shortage of storylines. Lionel Messi has equalled Miroslav Klose’s all-time record of 16 World Cup goals after scoring a hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 opening victory over Algeria. The 39-year-old, widely regarded as the greatest footballer of all time, now has the outright record firmly in his sights.
Egypt’s Mohamed Salah is writing his own chapter, scoring his 68th international goal — just one shy of the career record held by current Egypt coach Hossam Hassan. And Uruguay is struggling without retired striker Luis Suárez, who watched from the stands as his former teammates drew their second match. Coach Marcelo Bielsa conceded his side “lacked a finishing touch” — a quality Suárez once delivered in abundance.
