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Messi scores hat-trick as Argentina begins World Cup title defense

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 17, 2026, 3:20 AM

Last updated Jun 17, 2026

Messi scores hat-trick as Argentina begins World Cup title defense

Summary

On June 17, 2026, Argentina and Lionel Messi kicked off their World Cup defense against Algeria. Despite two disallowed goals early in the match, Messi dominated the contest, scoring a stunning opener and adding two more goals in the second half. Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappe led France to victory against Senegal with two goals, overcoming a controversial penalty decision that went against him. Erling Haaland dazzled on his World Cup debut, scoring twice for Norway in their 4-1 win over Iraq. Additionally, Thomas Partey will miss Ghana’s match against Panama due to a dismissed visa appeal, and England has called up Trevoh Chalobah to replace the injured Tino Livramento ahead of their opener against Croatia.

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By the Numbers

•Messi scores three goals in Argentina's match against Algeria.
•Mbappe becomes France's all-time record goalscorer.
•Haaland nets two goals in Norway's victory over Iraq.
•Partey will miss Ghana's match after visa appeal is dismissed.
•Chalobah replaces injured Livramento in England's World Cup squad.

Latest Updates

3:20 AMYahoo Sports — Everything you missed from day six at World Cup 2026: Messi magic, England’s late squad change, and VAR controversy

What they're saying

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Elsewhere, Kylian Mbappe rewrote some records as France turned on the style after the tournament’s biggest refereeing controversy so far
— Yahoo Sports

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