# Star-Studded Night! Messi's Hat-Trick Ties Record, Mbappé and Haaland Shine as World Cup Group Stage Heats Up
The first round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage reached its peak on June 17. Three superstars exploded onto the scene – **Lionel Messi scored a hat‑trick** to lead Argentina to a 3‑0 win over Algeria; **Kylian Mbappé netted a brace** as France beat Senegal 3‑1 in a revenge match; and **Erling Haaland marked his World Cup debut with a double** to steer Norway to a 4‑1 victory over Iraq. Earlier matchdays also delivered shocks and last‑gasp equalisers – Cape Verde held Spain to a 0‑0 draw, and Japan snatched a 2‑2 stoppage‑time equaliser against the Netherlands.
## 1. Messi's Hat‑Trick: Argentina 3‑0 Algeria – 38‑Year‑Old Legend Ties All‑Time Record
In Group J’s opener, defending champions Argentina faced Algeria in Kansas City. Lionel Messi, who turns 39 soon, made his 200th senior appearance for the national team.
The game started with high drama – **Messi had a goal ruled out for offside in the 5th minute**, and **Algeria’s goal was disallowed by VAR in the 8th** for the same reason. **In the 17th minute**, Messi unleashed a thunderous strike from the edge of the box to break the deadlock. Argentina led 1‑0 at half‑time.
**In the 60th minute**, Mac Allister’s long‑range shot was parried by the goalkeeper, and Messi reacted quickest to poke home the rebound. **In the 76th minute**, Messi curled a low finish into the corner to complete his hat‑trick. He was substituted moments later to a standing ovation.
With these three goals, Messi equalled **Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 World Cup goals**, becoming the joint‑top scorer in tournament history. At 38 years and 357 days, he also became the **oldest player ever to score a World Cup hat‑trick**.
## 2. Mbappé Double + Haaland Debut: France and Norway Both Win Openers
In Group I, France beat Senegal 3‑1 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The first half ended 0‑0. **In the 66th minute**, Olise threaded a through ball and Mbappé turned to fire a low shot into the far corner. **In the 82nd minute**, Barcola, who had been on the pitch for only two minutes, raced through and chipped the keeper to make it 2‑0. Senegal pulled one back in added time, but **a minute later Mbappé smashed a stunning long‑range effort** to seal the win. With his 14th World Cup goal, **Mbappé became France’s all‑time leading scorer in the tournament**.
In the other Group I match, Norway thrashed Iraq 4‑1. **In the first half**, Wolff assisted Haaland for a close‑range tap‑in at the back post; Iraq equalised, but **Haaland restored the lead** before the break. Norway went in 2‑1 up. **After the restart**, substitute Østigård headed in a third, and in stoppage time Hussein put through his own net. **Erling Haaland, the €200 million man, marked his World Cup debut with a brilliant brace**.
## 3. Earlier Matchdays Review: Upsets and Late Equalizers, Asian Teams Shine
**On June 15**: In Group F, Japan came back twice to draw 2‑2 with the Netherlands. Van Dijk headed the opener; **Nakamura equalised in the 57th**; Summerville restored the lead in the 64th; and **Kamada turned in a stoppage‑time equaliser from a corner‑line scramble**.
In Group E, Ivory Coast snatched a 1‑0 win over Ecuador. Substitute **Amad Diallo** drilled a low shot in injury time to secure all three points.
Sweden thrashed Tunisia 5‑1 in Group F, with **Ayari scoring a brace** to top the early scoring charts.
**On June 16**: A day of draws. Spain were held 0‑0 by debutants Cape Verde in Group H, despite 27 shots on goal. Belgium drew 1‑1 with Egypt in Group G – Lukaku, on as a substitute, forced an own goal within 20 seconds of his arrival. Saudi Arabia held Uruguay to a 1‑1 draw, and Iran twice came from behind to draw 2‑2 with New Zealand.
| Match | Score | HT | FT | Goalscorers |
| Argentina vs Algeria | **3‑0** | 1‑0 | 2‑0 | Messi (3) |
| France vs Senegal | **3‑1** | 0‑0 | 3‑1 | Mbappé (2), Barcola / Mbaye |
| Norway vs Iraq | **4‑1** | 2‑1 | 2‑0 | Haaland (2), Østigård, Hussein (og) / Hussein |
| Austria vs Jordan | **3‑1** | 1‑0 | 2‑1 | Schmid, Arab (og), Arnautović (pen) / Ulwan |
| Japan vs Netherlands | **2‑2** | 0‑0 | 2‑2 | Van Dijk, Nakamura, Summerville, Kamada |
| Spain vs Cape Verde | **0‑0** | 0‑0 | 0‑0 | None |
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