+18 | Play Responsibly | T&C's Apply | Commercial Content | Publishing Principles
Eschen/Mauren

Eschen/Mauren Overview

Lionel Messi (06.16.2026)

Messi's hat trick ties all-time WC goals record in emphatic win

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Argentina's World Cup title defence began nervously before Lionel Messi took over. The 38-year-old scored a hat trick in a 3-0 win over Algeria before 69,045 fans at Kansas City Stadium. Messi's three-goal performance also moved him level with Miroslav Klose on 16 career World Cup goals, although Klose remains atop the record books having reached the mark in fewer matches.

Player ratingsFEATURES
Argentina v Iceland - International Friendly

‘Why not?’ - Messi has the ‘magic’ for second World Cup win

Lionel Messi possesses the magic to lead Argentina to a second consecutive World Cup title following their 2022 triumph in Qatar. Former team-mate Pablo Zabaleta believes the veteran forward is perfectly supported by his national and Inter Miami colleagues, allowing him to save his energy for crucial moments. Zabaleta says the current tactical setup is ideal for the GOAT.

L. MessiWorld Cup
Emi Martinez Argentina 2026

Juventus' pursuit of 'eccentric' Martinez backed by Zoff

Italy legend Dino Zoff has given his blessing to Juventus' pursuit of Emiliano Martinez, insisting the Argentine's eccentric personality is no barrier to success in Turin. The iconic former goalkeeper also weighed in on the futures of Dusan Vlahovic and long-term target Domenico Berardi as the Bianconeri look to rebuild.

E. MartinezJuventus
More
More

Standings

Premier League crestPremier League

PosTeamPWDLFA+/-PTSForm
10Fountain Gate FC crestFountain Gate FC2685132138-1729
L
W
D
L
W
11Namungo FC crestNamungo FC27512102029-927
D
D
L
D
L
12Mtibwa Sugar crestMtibwa Sugar2669112337-1427
L
D
L
W
L
13Mashujaa crestMashujaa27512101226-1427
L
L
L
D
L
14Mbeya City crestMbeya City2667132139-1825
W
L
D
L
L
More

Betting spotlight

Argentina vs Algeria predictions: Defending champions land early win
See more betting articles