Lionel Messi etched his name into World Cup history once more, scoring his 17th and 18th tournament goals to become the outright leading scorer in the competition's history. The Inter Miami star, just two days shy of his 39th birthday, netted a brace in Argentina's 2-0 victory over Austria to secure their place in the knockout rounds. He could have added more but missed a first-half penalty.
Mbappe and Haaland Also Shine
Later that evening, Kylian Mbappe scored twice as France swept aside Iraq 3-0 in a match heavily delayed by severe weather in Philadelphia. Erling Haaland also grabbed a brace for Norway in their 3-2 win over Senegal, joining France in securing qualification from Group I. Algeria earned their first-ever World Cup victory, coming from behind to beat Jordan 2-1 and keep their knockout hopes alive.
Severe Weather Halts France vs Iraq
The Group I clash between France and Iraq in Philadelphia was suspended at halftime due to heavy downpours and hazardous lightning. Supporters were evacuated from open seating areas, causing a delay of over two hours before play resumed. FIFA then scrapped the mandatory three-minute hydration break during the second half due to the damp pitch and altered stadium conditions.
Messi Claims Ultimate World Cup Goalscoring Record
Argentina legend Lionel Messi became the outright leading goalscorer in World Cup history by scoring twice in a 2-0 win over Austria. Despite missing an early penalty, his 17th tournament goal surpassed the long-held record of Germany's Miroslav Klose. According to FIFA, Messi now stands alone with 18 goals, cementing his legacy.
Haaland Dazzles for Norway
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland recovered from an open-goal miss in the first half to net a spectacular double in Norway's 3-2 triumph over Senegal. His match-winning performance meant that Messi, Mbappe, and Haaland all scored braces on the same day of tournament football.
Commentator Loses Credentials
Paraguayan broadcaster Jorge Vera had his World Cup press accreditation revoked by FIFA after an on-air outburst. He launched a personal attack on the match official and FIFA President Gianni Infantino following Miguel Almiron's dismissal. Almiron became the first player sent off under a new anti-discrimination rule prohibiting covering the mouth during altercations. Vera later expressed regret for his actions.
Doku Catches Emergency Flight Home
Belgium and Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku received permission to leave the squad to attend the birth of his second child. He flew to London and welcomed his son, Praise, before returning to rejoin his teammates in Seattle ahead of their match against New Zealand.
Keane Brushes Off Tuchel's Team Talk
Roy Keane dismissed the acclaim for England manager Thomas Tuchel's halftime team talk during their 4-2 win over Croatia. While players Declan Rice and Harry Kane credited Tuchel's tactical adjustments, Keane argued that motivating the squad is a fundamental part of the job.
