Messi Rewrites History as Cape Verde Stun Spain and World Cup Opens With Surprises

Posted : 18 June 2026

Lionel Messi once again stole global attention as he delivered a stunning hat-trick for Argentina against Algeria, proving that even at 39 he remains a decisive force on football’s biggest stage. His three goals—two powerful strikes and a close-range finish—saw him equal Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup scoring record of 16 goals, placing him level with one of the tournament’s greatest marksmen.

With France’s Kylian Mbappé just two goals behind, Messi’s latest milestone adds fresh intrigue to the Golden Boot race. The Argentina captain now has the chance to surpass the record in the next match, further strengthening his legacy as one of football’s greatest players.

Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, endured a frustrating start to his sixth World Cup appearance as Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by the Democratic Republic of Congo. The veteran forward was largely isolated throughout the match, registering just 25 touches—his lowest in a full tournament game for Portugal.

Ronaldo, now 41, has also gone ten consecutive major tournament matches without scoring, raising questions about his role in Roberto Martínez’s squad as he edges closer to 1,000 career goals.

Elsewhere, Cape Verde produced one of the biggest stories of the opening round by holding European champions Spain to a goalless draw. Goalkeeper Vozinha became a national hero after a series of outstanding saves helped his side secure a historic result on their World Cup debut. The performance not only stunned observers but also reignited debate over FIFA’s expanded 48-team format, with critics having previously argued it would dilute competition quality. Vozinha’s display made him a global sensation, with his social media following soaring dramatically after the match.

The tournament has also been marked by unexpectedly strong attendance figures, with stadiums filling up even for less high-profile fixtures. Over 281,000 fans attended matches in a single day, breaking a long-standing World Cup record and highlighting the competition’s continued global appeal despite rising ticket prices.

On the disciplinary front, referees appear to be taking a more cautious approach after an initial flurry of red cards. Following three dismissals in the tournament opener, no red cards were shown in the next 23 matches, suggesting a shift in officiating style encouraged by FIFA.

Messi Rewrites History as Cape Verde Stun Spain and World Cup Opens With Surprises

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