Argentina captain Lionel Messi rolled back the years with a sensational hat-trick to inspire his country to a commanding victory in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner produced a magical display, scoring three goals and leading from the front as the reigning world champions launched their campaign with maximum points.

Messi opened the scoring with a trademark finish before adding two more goals to complete his hat-trick, leaving fans and pundits in awe of his enduring brilliance on football’s biggest stage.

The veteran playmaker was at the heart of Argentina’s attacking moves throughout the contest, combining creativity, vision, and clinical finishing to overwhelm the opposition.

His performance helped Argentina secure a comfortable win and maintain their status as one of the favourites for the tournament. The result also extended the team’s impressive run of form in major international competitions.

Supporters inside the stadium celebrated wildly as Messi completed his treble, with many describing the display as another reminder of why he remains one of the greatest players in football history.

Argentina’s coaching staff praised the captain’s influence after the match, noting that his experience and leadership continue to inspire the squad.

With their World Cup journey now underway, Argentina will look to build on the momentum from their opening victory, while Messi will aim to continue his remarkable form as the tournament progresses.

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Daniel Akpeyi, has showered praise on Japan international Zion Suzuki following the goalkeeper’s impressive performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Akpeyi, who recently announced his retirement from professional football, said Suzuki deserves recognition for the calmness, confidence, and consistency he has displayed on football’s biggest stage.

Speaking on the young goalkeeper’s impact, the former Nigeria international admitted that Suzuki’s contributions have been vital to Japan’s World Cup campaign, particularly in high-pressure moments where crucial saves helped the team remain competitive.

“I want to give credit to him,” Akpeyi said while reflecting on Suzuki’s performances. He noted that goalkeepers often receive less attention than outfield players despite playing decisive roles in important matches.

Suzuki has emerged as one of the standout goalkeepers of the tournament, earning praise from fans and pundits alike for his shot-stopping ability, command of the penalty area, and composure under pressure.

The Japanese star’s displays have helped strengthen his growing reputation as one of the most promising goalkeepers in international football, with several observers tipping him for an even brighter future.

Akpeyi further stated that Suzuki’s performances highlight the importance of patience, discipline, and continuous development for young goalkeepers aspiring to succeed at the highest level.

As the World Cup progresses, Suzuki is expected to remain a key figure for Japan as they continue their quest for success in the tournament.

United States striker Folarin Balogun announced himself on the biggest stage in style, scoring twice on his FIFA World Cup debut as the USA defeated Paraguay 4-1 in their opening match of the 2026 tournament.

Balogun, who was eligible to play internationally for Nigeria, England, and the United States before committing to the USMNT in 2023, delivered a clinical performance to help the tournament co-hosts make a flying start to their World Cup campaign.

The 24-year-old found the net twice in the first half, capitalising on excellent service from captain Christian Pulisic and showcasing the finishing ability that has made him one of the United States’ most important attacking players.

His brace helped the Americans establish a commanding lead before Paraguay pulled one back late in the contest. However, Gio Reyna’s stoppage-time strike sealed an emphatic 4-1 victory in front of a packed crowd at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

Balogun’s achievement was particularly significant as he became the first American player to score two goals in a World Cup match since 1930, further underlining the impact of his decision to represent the United States.

Born in New York to Nigerian parents and raised in England, Balogun represented England at various youth levels and was also courted by Nigeria before eventually pledging his international future to the United States.

Following the match, the AS Monaco forward described the occasion as a “dream” and admitted he was still trying to take in the magnitude of his World Cup debut performance.

With two goals already to his name, Balogun has quickly emerged as one of the standout performers of the tournament and a key figure in America’s hopes of making a deep run on home soil.