Global football icons defined the opening days of the World Cup with dominant, record-breaking performances.
Reigning champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, cruised past Algeria 3-0. Messi delivered his first World Cup hat trick, matching Miroslav Klose’s career scoring record of 16 goals. The milestone came 20 years after his tournament debut.
France overcame a scoreless first half to defeat Senegal behind a stellar performance from Kylian Mbappé. The Real Madrid striker scored twice, moving past Pelé with 14 World Cup goals and tying Gerd Müller on the all-time list. His second goal, a strike from 30 yards, sealed the victory. Bradley Barcola added a goal for Les Bleus, while Ibrahim Mbaye scored a late consolation goal for Senegal.
Erling Haaland propelled Norway to a 4-1 victory over Iraq. The Manchester City striker scored twice, capitalizing on a defensive error for the go-ahead goal just before halftime. Leo Ostigard and an own goal completed the scoring for Norway in their first World Cup appearance since 1998. Aymen Hussein scored for Iraq, a nation returning to the tournament after a 40-year absence.