Lionel Messi scored both goals as Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match and secured a place in the Round of 32. The Argentine captain opened the scoring in the 38th minute before adding a second goal in stoppage time. Messi missed a penalty earlier in the match but still delivered a historic performance. His brace took his World Cup goal tally to 18, surpassing Germany legend Miroslav Klose's record of 16 goals to become the tournament's all-time leading scorer. The win ensured Argentina's progress to the knockout stage and added another remarkable achievement to Messi's legendary career. (PC: X)

Lionel Messi created FIFA World Cup history by becoming the tournament's all-time leading scorer during Argentina's Group J match against Austria in Dallas. The Argentine captain scored his 17th World Cup goal, moving past Germany's Miroslav Klose on the all-time list.   Messi had earlier missed a penalty but later found the net to give Argentina the lead in a closely contested encounter. The historic strike marked another milestone in the 39-year-old's remarkable career. With the match still in progress, Argentina were on course to strengthen their position in Group J as Austria continued to search for an equaliser.  

Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland return to action in the FIFA World Cup 2026 after stunning performances in their opening matches. Messi scored a hat-trick against Algeria and is now one goal away from becoming the tournament's all-time leading scorer. Mbappe netted twice against Senegal and moved closer to the World Cup scoring record, while Haaland marked his World Cup debut with two goals in Norway's win over Iraq. Argentina face Austria, France take on Iraq, and Norway meet Senegal as all three stars look to guide their teams closer to the knockout stage and add more records to their names. (PC: X)

Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand delivered a brilliant performance to help his team earn a 0-0 draw against Belgium at the FIFA World Cup. He made seven saves and was named Player of the Match. Beiranvand's journey to the top is an inspiring one. Born into poverty in western Iran, he ran away to Tehran as a teenager to pursue his football dream. He worked several jobs and often slept on the streets while trying to join a club. Today, he holds two Guinness World Records for the longest throw and longest drop kick in football history. (PC: Getty)

Iran’s national football team left a handwritten note in the SoFi Stadium locker room after a 0-0 draw with Belgium, thanking Los Angeles for its hospitality and supporters for their backing. The message said the team arrived “with pride,” competed “with honour,” and departed “with dignity,” while calling for peace, respect and friendship among nations. The note referenced the Minab school bombing through hashtags and reflected challenges faced during the tournament, including visa restrictions, cross-border travel from Tijuana and limited stays in the United States. Despite logistical difficulties, coach Amir Ghalenoei praised his players, while Iran remained in contention for a historic knockout-stage qualification after the final group match in Seattle.

Iran’s unbeaten start at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has sparked a wave of viral social media memes involving US President Donald Trump. After a 2-2 draw with New Zealand and a goalless stalemate against Belgium, Iran remain unbeaten in Group G despite facing significant logistical challenges. Forced to base themselves in Mexico due to geopolitical tensions and travel restrictions, the team has endured extensive travel and security procedures throughout the tournament. Coach Amir Ghalenoei called the unbeaten run a historic achievement, praising his players for performing under difficult conditions and ensuring their efforts will be remembered by future generations.

Japan etched its name into FIFA World Cup history by defeating Tunisia 4-0 in the tournament’s 1,000th match, played 96 years after the inaugural World Cup fixture. The victory marked Japan’s biggest-ever World Cup win and made them the first Asian nation to score four goals in a World Cup match. Daichi Kamada netted Japan’s fastest-ever World Cup goal after just 3 minutes and 27 seconds, while Ayase Ueda became the first Japanese player to record a brace and three goal contributions in a World Cup game. Japan moved level on points with the Netherlands, while Tunisia suffered a seventh consecutive group-stage exit.

World Cup debutants Cape Verde continued their impressive FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign by fighting back to secure a 2-2 draw against Uruguay in Miami. Kevin Pina scored Cape Verde’s first-ever World Cup goal in the 21st minute before Uruguay responded through Maximiliano Araujo and Agustin Canobbio. A costly error by veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera allowed Helio Varela to equalise after the break. Cape Verde now have two points from two matches and can secure a last-32 place with victory over Saudi Arabia, while Uruguay face a must-win clash against Spain to keep qualification hopes alive. 

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is already witnessing records tumble and several more appear destined to fall. Lionel Messi equalled Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup scoring record of 16 goals and could soon move clear. Harry Kane matched Gary Lineker’s England World Cup tally of 10 goals, while Kylian Mbappe eyes an unprecedented second Golden Boot. Cristiano Ronaldo became the oldest outfield player to start a World Cup and could set a record by scoring in six editions. Erling Haaland, Vozinha and coach Didier Deschamps are also closing in on major milestones as the tournament continues. (PC: Getty Images & psgtalk)

Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand delivered a heroic performance against Belgium national football team, making seven saves to secure a 0-0 FIFA World Cup 2026 draw and earn Player of the Match honours. Born into extreme poverty in Lorestan, Beiranvand ran away to Tehran as a teenager, surviving through street sleeping and odd jobs while pursuing football. His childhood playing the local game Dalparan helped develop extraordinary throwing power, leading to two Guinness World Records for the longest football throw (61.002 metres) and longest drop kick (78.014 metres). Despite logistical challenges and political pressures, Beiranvand has kept Iran’s knockout hopes alive with two points from two matches. (PC: Getty Images)