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Lionel Messi began Argentina's World Cup title defence in sensational fashion, netting a hat-trick, while Kylian Mbappe powered France to victory over Senegal and Erling Haaland struck twice for Norway.

Messi’s treble not only helped Argentina secure a commanding win over Algeria but also saw him become the joint-top scorer in World Cup history. The reigning champions made a statement in their opening match as the captain led by example.

On his 200th international appearance and just days away from his 39th birthday, Messi recorded his first-ever World Cup hat-trick. The achievement etched his name deeper into football history, with his total of 16 goals at the finals equalling Germany legend Miroslav Klose’s all-time record.

The first goal came after Messi picked up a pass from his Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul and curled a delightful shot past goalkeeper Luca Zidane, son of French great Zinedine Zidane, on his 27th World Cup outing.

Argentina’s second came an hour into the game, as Messi pounced on a mistake from Zidane to slot home from close range. He completed his hat-trick in the 76th minute with a powerful strike from the edge of the box, sealing a memorable performance for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Kylian Mbappe, meanwhile, wasted no time in making his mark, scoring twice as France defeated Senegal in New Jersey. The Real Madrid forward, who famously netted a hat-trick in the Qatar 2022 final, opened his 2026 campaign with a brace.

In doing so, Mbappe became France’s all-time leading scorer with 58 international goals—surpassing Olivier Giroud’s previous record. Mbappe broke through Senegal’s defence in the second half with a composed low finish before unleashing a stunning long-range strike deep into stoppage time.

Bradley Barcola had earlier doubled France’s lead following an early opener, but Ibrahim Mbaye pulled one back for Senegal. However, Mbappe’s second goal extinguished any hopes of a comeback.

Not to be outdone, Erling Haaland made an emphatic World Cup debut for Norway, scoring twice in their 3-1 victory over Iraq in Group I at Boston Stadium. The 25-year-old forward now boasts 57 goals in 51 appearances for his country as Norway marked their return to the tournament after a 28-year absence. Haaland was unfortunate to miss out on a hat-trick when Jalal Hassan produced a brilliant late save.

Iraq, making their first World Cup appearance in four decades, started brightly. They equalised in the 39th minute when Amir Al-Ammari’s cross found Aymen Hussein, who powered a header into the net. Hussein had earlier sealed Iraq’s qualification with the decisive goal against Bolivia in the intercontinental play-off final in March.

Norway had opened the scoring just 58 seconds after the first-half hydration break when David Moller Wolfe delivered a precise low cross from the left, which Haaland converted at the far post.

In the day’s concluding fixture, Austria edged Jordan 3-1 in a hard-fought contest. Romano Schmid opened the scoring with a superb curling effort past Yazeed Abulaila. Although Ali Olwan briefly drew Jordan level, Austria reclaimed the advantage through a Yazan Al Arab own goal. Marko Arnautovic then sealed the win from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time to secure all three points for Austria.