Lionel Messi reached a historic milestone on Monday in Dallas, scoring twice in Argentina’s 2–0 victory over Austria to become the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history. His two goals brought his total to 18, surpassing Germany’s Miroslav Klose, who had 16, and Brazil’s Marta, who has 17 across men’s and women’s tournaments. Messi’s first goal came in the 38th minute, equaling Klose’s record, and his second in stoppage time made him the outright leader.

This World Cup marks Messi’s sixth appearance in the tournament. Remarkably, 12 of his 18 goals have come after turning 35, and all five of Argentina’s goals in the current edition have been scored by him. The Argentine captain also became only the third player to score in six consecutive World Cup matches, joining France’s Just Fontaine and Brazil’s Jairzinho.

Despite missing a penalty early in the match, Messi’s performance drew praise from analysts. BBC commentators Ashley Williams and Danny Murphy highlighted his football intelligence and questioned whether fans are witnessing the greatest player in football history.

Norway advanced to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in 28 years after defeating Senegal 3-1 on Tuesday. Star striker Erling Haaland scored twice, continuing his remarkable scoring streak of two goals in each of his last six international matches. His performance secured Norway’s place in the round of 16, marking a major milestone for the Scandinavian nation since their last appearance in 1998.

In that 1998 tournament in France, Norway had also reached the knockout stage but were eliminated by Italy in the round of 16. This year’s return to the global stage has been marked by strong leadership from captain Martin Ødegaard and a team spirit rooted in Viking-themed celebrations. After the win over Senegal, players were seen performing their symbolic “Viking boat rowing” celebration on the field.

Haaland’s consistent scoring form has been the driving force behind Norway’s resurgence, and his continued performance could fuel hopes of progressing deeper into the tournament.

France confirmed their place in the last 32 of the World Cup after defeating Iraq 3–0, led by two goals from captain Kylian Mbappé. The match, delayed by over two hours due to lightning concerns, saw France dominate from the start. Mbappé opened the scoring in the 14th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error and a pass from Michael Olise. The goal marked his 15th in World Cup history, equaling Brazil’s Ronaldo.

In the second half, Mbappé doubled the lead in the 54th minute after a mistake by Iraq’s goalkeeper Basil, assisted by Ousmane Dembélé. Dembélé later sealed the victory in the 66th minute with a powerful shot from Olise’s pass. Mbappé, playing his 100th international match, narrowly missed a hat-trick when his late attempt went over the bar.

With this win, France, coached by Didier Deschamps, secured back-to-back victories in Group I and advanced early to the knockout stage.

Cristiano Ronaldo faced widespread criticism after a lackluster performance in Portugal’s opening World Cup match against DR Congo. The Portuguese captain missed several easy chances and left the field without shaking hands with opponents, drawing ridicule from fans. However, former England striker Michael Owen and Portugal defender Ruben Dias have publicly backed Ronaldo amid the backlash.

In an article published in the Daily Mail, Owen expressed full support for Ronaldo, comparing the situation to Lionel Messi’s recent hat-trick. He stated that Ronaldo’s failure to score does not warrant criticism and predicted that the forward could silence critics with a hat-trick in the next match against Uzbekistan. Ruben Dias also dismissed any doubts within the Portugal camp, praising Ronaldo’s mental strength and confidence in his ability to bounce back.

Portugal’s next match against Uzbekistan will test whether Ronaldo can overcome the criticism and return to form, a moment eagerly awaited by football fans.

Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 in a crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 match, with both goals scored by captain Lionel Messi. The match, which began at 11 p.m. on Monday, was screened live on a large screen at Rangpur Town Hall field, organized by Rangpur City Corporation and the Argentina Fans Club. Thousands of supporters in sky-blue and white jerseys filled the venue well before kickoff, waving flags and blowing whistles as they cheered for their team.

Messi missed an early penalty but later scored in the 38th minute and again near the end of the match, sealing Argentina’s victory. Fans in Rangpur erupted in joy, celebrating the win with chants and songs. Local fan leaders expressed pride in Messi’s performance and optimism about Argentina’s chances in the tournament. Even rival supporters acknowledged Messi’s brilliance, praising his decisive goals. Similar scenes of excitement were reported at Begum Rokeya University, where crowds gathered to watch the match.

The celebrations underscored Rangpur’s strong football culture and the passionate following for Argentina among local fans.

In Vancouver’s BC Place Stadium, Egypt achieved its first-ever World Cup victory, ending nearly a century of frustration. The team defeated their opponent 3–1, with Mohamed Salah playing a decisive role by scoring one goal and assisting another. The win brought Egypt to the brink of qualifying for the knockout stage, marking a historic moment for the nation’s football journey.

Egypt’s World Cup history has long been marked by disappointment. They first appeared in 1934 as the first African and Arab nation to play in the tournament but lost their only match. After returning in 1990, they again failed to win any of their three games. In 2018, despite Salah’s two goals, Egypt exited after three losses. Following a demanding club season, Salah returned to lead his country once more, turning past heartbreak into triumph.

Ahead of their final group match against Iran on Saturday, Egypt’s players now face the next challenge with renewed confidence, having finally lifted the burden of generations of missed opportunities.

The Argentine Ambassador to Bangladesh, Marcelo Carlos Cesa, visited Dhaka University on Monday night to watch the Argentina vs Austria match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The event created a festive atmosphere across the campus, particularly at Haji Muhammad Mohsin Hall field, where hundreds of Argentina supporters gathered wearing team jerseys and waving flags. The ambassador was accompanied by Ruli, known as a close associate of Lionel Messi, and several teammates, drawing enthusiastic responses from students and spectators.

Ambassador Cesa expressed his admiration for the passion of Bangladeshi fans, saying he felt as if he were in Argentina. Argentine influencer Ruli also shared his affection for Bangladesh. The Mohsin Hall student group organized cultural and musical performances to mark the occasion, attended by student leaders including Ganesh Chandra Roy Sahas and Nahiduzzaman Shipon. Several Argentine creative professionals and travel writers, including Dan Lande and Manuel Javier Esquera Ramon, were also present.

The gathering highlighted the strong emotional connection between Bangladeshi football fans and Argentina during the global tournament.

A group of Argentina football supporters organized a colorful rally in the Pakherhat area of Khansama upazila, Dinajpur, on Monday afternoon. The event featured a massive 700-foot-long Argentine flag and drew participation from over a hundred local fans. Participants wore sky-blue and white jerseys and carried flags and banners as they marched through the Pakherhat market area.

Supporter Masud Rana said they arranged the rally out of love for the Argentina team, which he has supported since childhood. Other fans, including Rabbi and Mehedi Hasan, noted that the large flag brought joy to local residents and expressed hope that sports would spread friendship and happiness among young people.

The rally highlighted the strong enthusiasm of local football fans and their collective celebration of team spirit through a peaceful and festive gathering.

Argentina advanced to the last 32 of the World Cup after defeating Austria 2–0 in Dallas. Lionel Messi was the standout performer, scoring in both halves to secure the victory. Argentina began the match aggressively, dominating possession and creating several chances. Despite missing an early penalty, Messi opened the scoring midway through the first half after a combination play involving Thiago Almada and defender Medina.

Austria attempted to fight back in the second half, making several attacking substitutions and threatening from set pieces. However, Argentina’s defense and goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez held firm, with Martínez notably saving a free kick from Marcel Sabitzer. Late in the match, tensions rose as both teams exchanged fouls, and Laimer and Medina received yellow cards.

In stoppage time, Messi sealed the win with his second goal, converting a rebound through a crowded defense. The result confirmed Argentina’s place in the tournament’s knockout stage, highlighting their organized play and Messi’s decisive influence.

Austrian goalkeeper Alexander Schlager has drawn attention ahead of Austria’s second World Cup Group J match against Argentina in Dallas on Monday. The 30-year-old admitted in a press conference that he is a devoted fan of Cristiano Ronaldo, not Lionel Messi, yet he openly praised Messi’s extraordinary consistency and influence on the field. The match is crucial for Argentina to secure a knockout stage berth and for Messi to break the all-time World Cup goal record, which he currently shares with Miroslav Klose after a hat-trick against Algeria.

Austria, returning to the World Cup after 28 years, began their campaign strongly with a 3–1 win over Jordan, where Schlager performed impressively. However, he acknowledged that facing Argentina and Messi presents a completely different challenge. Schlager described Messi’s presence as creating a unique psychological pressure on opponents and an inspiring energy within his own team.

Schlager expressed determination to give his best to stop Messi’s magic, as fans await whether the Argentine captain can claim the record outright in this high-stakes encounter.

Curaçao goalkeeper Eloy Room delivered a record-equalling performance in Kansas City, making 15 saves to secure a 0–0 draw against Ecuador in the World Cup. The six-foot-three shot-stopper’s heroics earned Curaçao its first-ever World Cup point and global attention for the small island nation of about 156,000 people. Despite not winning, the result was celebrated as a milestone in the country’s football history.

Before this match, Curaçao had suffered a heavy defeat to Germany, leading many to underestimate the team. However, Room’s 15 saves matched the highest number recorded in a 90-minute World Cup match since records began in 1966, according to Opta. Former Arsenal defender and BBC analyst Martin Keown praised Room’s performance, calling the draw “as good as a win.”

Curaçao, ranked 82nd by FIFA, will next face Ivory Coast in its final group match. Although advancing to the knockout stage remains difficult, the draw against Ecuador has already become a defining moment for Curaçaoan football and for Room, who joked that a statue might be built in his honor.

Egypt secured its first-ever FIFA World Cup victory by defeating New Zealand 3-1 at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver. Despite trailing early to a header from New Zealand defender Finn Surman, Hossam Hassan’s team mounted a strong comeback to claim the win and move to the top of Group G with four points from two matches.

After a difficult first half, Egypt equalized through Mostafa Zizo’s header from a corner. The team grew in confidence as midfielder Imam Ashour controlled play and captain Mohamed Salah led from the front, scoring a decisive goal that turned the match in Egypt’s favor. Trezeguet sealed the result with a late header from another corner, confirming Egypt’s historic triumph.

With this result, Egypt leads Group G ahead of its final match against Iran, while New Zealand faces Belgium in a challenging situation after losing another lead.

Moroccan and Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui has revealed plans to retire from professional football after the 2026 World Cup. At 28, he is currently in peak form, serving as a key figure in both his club and national team defenses. In a recent interview, Mazraoui said he intends to dedicate his post-football life to religious study, aiming to become a Hafiz of the Quran and serve as an imam.

Mazraoui explained that football has given him fame, wealth, and success, but he now seeks deeper spiritual fulfillment. Reflecting on life’s purpose, he expressed a desire to devote more time to faith and personal growth. His decision stands out in the world of elite football, where players rarely step away at their prime to pursue religious paths.

If Mazraoui follows through with his plan, football will lose a skilled defender, but his next chapter could mark the beginning of a new journey devoted to faith and moral leadership.

Cape Verde continued their impressive debut World Cup run by holding former champions Uruguay to a 2-2 draw at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium. After a goalless draw with Spain in their opening match, the African side once again earned a valuable point. Kevin Pina opened the scoring in the 21st minute with a long-range free-kick, marking Cape Verde’s first-ever World Cup goal. Uruguay responded before halftime through Maximiliano Araujo and Agustin Canobbio to lead 2-1 at the break. In the second half, Helio Varela equalized in the 61st minute to secure another historic result for Cape Verde.

The draw demonstrated Cape Verde’s growing confidence and disciplined play, combining solid defense with quick counterattacks. With two points from two matches, they remain in contention for the knockout stage. Uruguay, meanwhile, face a tougher path after consecutive draws against Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde. Spain lead the group with four points, followed by Uruguay and Cape Verde on two each, while Saudi Arabia sit at the bottom.

Cape Verde’s back-to-back draws against top-tier teams have boosted their hopes of advancing beyond the group stage.

Argentina will face Austria tonight at AT&T Stadium in Arlington in their second Group J match of the World Cup. The match, scheduled for Monday at 11 p.m. Bangladesh time, carries significance beyond three points. Lionel Messi, who scored a hat-trick in Argentina’s 3–0 win over Algeria, is now level with Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals. One more goal would make him the tournament’s all-time top scorer and could also secure Argentina’s place in the knockout stage.

Messi’s performance against Algeria marked his 200th international appearance and reaffirmed his influence at age 38. Argentina enters the match with seven consecutive World Cup victories, displaying confidence and champion-like composure. Austria, led by coach Ralf Rangnick, approaches the game after a 3–1 win over Jordan and aims for its first knockout qualification since 1982. Captain David Alaba acknowledged Argentina’s collective strength beyond Messi.

Assistant coach Pablo Aimar cautioned that Austria’s physicality and pressing style could pose challenges. Tactical battles are expected, with Argentina focusing on ball control and creative play through Messi, while Austria will rely on high pressing and quick transitions.