The Daily · Monday, 22 June 2026
Messi Makes World Cup History as Egypt Claim Their Finest Hour
Lionel Messi wrote another extraordinary chapter in his career on Monday, scoring twice as Argentina beat Austria 2-0 in Dallas to become the all-time leading scorer in men's World Cup history. It is a record that may stand forever, and it arrived on the grandest stage — the tournament where Messi finally claimed the one honour that had eluded him. Argentina's joy was tempered only by uncertainty over Cristian Romero, whose knee injury left coach Lionel Scaloni awaiting test results.
Elsewhere, Egypt provided the day's most emotional story. Mohamed Salah inspired a second-half comeback to beat New Zealand 3-1, turning a one-goal deficit into a 3-1 victory and delivering his country's first-ever World Cup win. Egypt now sit top of Group G, with a genuine chance of reaching the knockout stage for the first time in their history. It was the kind of result that transcends a single match.
Cape Verde continued their remarkable debut campaign, holding two-time champions Uruguay to a draw in Miami — further evidence that this tournament is producing its share of surprises. The day also revisited the chaos of South Africa's double red card against Mexico, the incident that defined the opening match of the 2026 World Cup and left both sides finishing with nine and ten men respectively.
The record
Messi's Two Goals Make Him World Cup's All-Time Top Scorer
Lionel Messi scored twice as Argentina beat Austria at the 2026 World Cup, making him the all-time leading scorer in the tournament's history across both men's and women's football. The record marks another milestone for the Argentina captain, who shows no signs of stopping. Messi is now the highest-scoring player in World Cup history across men's and women's football — a record that may never be broken.
Messi Becomes Men's World Cup All-Time Top Scorer as Argentina Beat Austria 2-0
Lionel Messi is now the all-time leading scorer in men's World Cup history after Argentina beat Austria 2-0 in Dallas, Texas. The record-breaking moment came on Monday, marking a landmark achievement for arguably the game's greatest player on football's biggest stage. Messi claiming the all-time men's World Cup scoring record is one of the defining individual milestones in the tournament's history.
Egypt Beat New Zealand 3-1 to Claim First-Ever World Cup Win
Egypt came from a goal down to beat New Zealand 3-1, with Mohamed Salah inspiring a brilliant second-half turnaround. The result gives Egypt their first-ever World Cup win and moves them to the top of Group G, boosting their chances of reaching the knockout stage. Egypt's first World Cup win, combined with top spot in Group G, puts them in a strong position to reach the knockout stage for the first time in their history.
Cape Verde Hold Two-Time Champions Uruguay to World Cup Draw
Cape Verde continued their impressive debut World Cup campaign by holding two-time champions Uruguay to a draw in Miami. The result extends Cape Verde's remarkable run at their first World Cup, with the draw against one of football's most decorated nations underlining their credentials as a genuine tournament surprise. Cape Verde's draw keeps their debut World Cup campaign alive against one of the tournament's most experienced sides.
Two Red Cards for South Africa and One for Mexico in World Cup Opener
South Africa had two players sent off in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup against Mexico — Sphephelo Sithole dismissed in the 49th minute for denying a goalscoring opportunity, and Themba Zwane also receiving a red card. Mexico centre-back César Montes was then sent off in stoppage time, leaving both sides reduced. South Africa's double dismissal, coming in the very first match of the 2026 World Cup, shaped the contest from the second half onward and made them the 15th team ever to have two players sent off in the same World Cup game.
Scaloni awaits test results on Romero knee injury
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed that the full extent of Cristian Romero's knee injury remains unknown while team doctors complete tests. The centre-back's availability is uncertain at a critical moment for the defending World Cup champions. Romero is a key defender for Argentina at the World Cup, and his potential absence would be a significant blow to their title defence.
Ronaldo Goalless Again as Portugal Struggle at the World Cup
Four years on from the 2022 World Cup, Portugal find themselves in a familiar position: Cristiano Ronaldo without a goal and the team struggling. The debate over his role in the side continues, with questions mounting over how long the situation can persist. Portugal's campaign is stalling around their biggest name at a moment when tournament progression demands more.
USMNT Reach World Cup Knockouts, Face Selection Dilemma for Final Group Game
The United States have secured a place in the World Cup knockout rounds ahead of their final Group D match. With qualification confirmed, the question now is whether to rotate the squad or maintain consistency for the closing group stage fixture. USA's progression sets up a knockout-round run on home soil, where expectations and pressure will only grow.