Messi’s Historic Hat-Trick Powers Argentina to Victory
Lionel Messi etched his name deeper into World Cup lore with a dazzling hat‑trick that propelled Argentina to a 3‑0 win over Algeria in their opening Group J clash. The strike took his World Cup tally to 16 goals, leveling him with Miroslav Klose as the tournament’s all‑time leading scorer.
The 38‑year‑old, marking his 200th appearance for Argentina and a record sixth World Cup appearance, also recorded the first hat‑trick of his storied career. Argentina opened the scoring in the 17th minute after Messi collected a pass from Rodrigo De Paul and curled a fine effort past goalkeeper Luca Zidane, son of French legend Zinedine Zidane.
Early chances were exchanged and Algeria threatened, but Messi escaped sanction after a reckless challenge on Aïssa Mandi midway through the first half. Argentina doubled their lead on the hour mark when a mistake by Luca Zidane gifted Messi a simple finish from close range.
He completed his treble in the 76th minute, driving a powerful strike from the edge of the box after dispossessing Nicolás González. The victory marked the first time Argentina have won an opening match as defending champions, having lost their openers in 1982 and 1990. La Albiceleste now turn their focus to upcoming Group J fixtures against Austria and Jordan.
Haaland’s Brace Leads Norway to Win Over Iraq
Erling Haaland delivered exactly what Norway needed, scoring twice in a commanding 4‑1 victory over Iraq in the side’s first World Cup appearance in 28 years. Playing in Boston, the Norwegians made a triumphant return to football’s biggest stage after last featuring in 1998.
Norway looked tentative early on but settled once Haaland struck at the back post to convert a cross just before the half‑hour mark. Iraq replied swiftly through Ayman Hussein, whose powerful header restored parity less than ten minutes later.
The joy was short‑lived as Haaland pounced on an under‑hit back‑pass; the goalkeeper’s attempted clearance ricocheted off the striker’s knee and into the net. Iraq threatened again before the break, with David Moller Wolfe producing a vital block to deny a close‑range effort and Akam Hashem narrowly missing the target with a fierce strike.
After the interval Norway controlled the game more effectively and extended their lead when substitute Leo Ostigard found the net with just over ten minutes remaining. Haaland was denied a hat‑trick late on, but his looping header forced an own‑goal from an Iraqi defender as Norway sealed an impressive opening‑night performance.
Austria Edges Jordan in Thrilling Group J Clash
Austria survived a stern test from World Cup debutants Jordan to secure a hard‑fought 3‑1 victory in a dramatic Group J encounter. Jordan stunned their European opponents just four minutes into the second half when Noor Al‑Rawabdeh launched a rapid counter‑attack and found Ali Olwan, whose effort struck the post before crossing the line – the nation’s first ever World Cup finals goal.
Austria responded with sustained pressure and restored their advantage in the 32nd minute. Marko Arnautović forced a corner, and Marcel Sabitzer’s delivery into the near post was inadvertently turned into his own net by Yazan Al‑Arab.
The match featured several interruptions, including a lengthy VAR review that ruled out what would have been Austria’s second goal after Stefan Posch was adjudged to have handled the ball in the build‑up. Both sides made numerous substitutions, while Posch and Odeh Fakhoury required treatment following a clash of heads.
Jordan created several dangerous chances throughout the game and enjoyed periods of control, but Austria held firm during a tense closing spell that included ten minutes of added time. Arnautović sealed Austria’s lead from the penalty spot in the 11th minute of extra time.
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