Messi had two second-half goals in Argentina's 3-0 win over Algeria to open group play and they all came in different ways. He showed once again why he's still one of the most valuable players in soccer and how his individual excellence is paramount to Argentina's hopes of winning back-to-back World Cups.

Argentina didn't waste any time finding its form in its World Cup defense, blanking Algeria by a score of 3-0 behind a Lionel Messi hat trick in its first match

Lionel Messi and Argentina are back in action after an incredible start to their World Cup title defense. Today they take on Austria in a Group J battle.

Matchday eight of the World Cup 26™ has come to an end, so here are the top-performing teams according to the official FIFA rankings.Group ACzechia 1-1 South Africa Attacking impact: Michal

Lionel Messi and Argentina are back to defend their crown and showed it in style, as Messi tied the World Cup's all-time goals record with a hat trick in a 3-0 win over Algeria in both nations' 2026 World Cup openers in the Heartland of America on Tuesday.

Argentina are not among the top few favourites at the 2026 World Cup, but La Albiceleste still boast world-class talent.

The U.S. men's national team begins World Cup play hoping its defense can find its footing in time for it's opening game against Paraguay on June 12.

Curaçao earns its first point in World Cup with tie on Saturday at Kansas City (Arrowhead) Stadium.

England's defence has two major weaknesses -- a lack of experience and a worrying injury record.