Messi Sets Career Scoring Record
Lionel Messi scored two goals to become the World Cup's all-time leading scorer with 18 goals, leading Argentina to a win over Austria in Arlington, Texas. The record-breaking performance came on a day when fellow stars Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland also delivered standout displays.
Mbappe Ties Klose
Kylian Mbappe scored twice for France in a 3-0 victory over Iraq in Philadelphia, moving to 16 career World Cup goals, tying the previous record held by Miroslav Klose. Mbappe's goals kept him in the race for the Golden Boot alongside Messi and Haaland.
Haaland Leads Norway to Victory
Erling Haaland scored twice in the first 15 minutes of the second half to lead Norway to a 3-2 win over Senegal. The Manchester City striker, playing in his first World Cup, now has four goals in the tournament. Norway last qualified in 1998, two years before Haaland was born.
Haaland's Impact and Praise
Teammate Kristian Thorstvedt called Haaland a big-game player who thrives in crucial moments. Coach Ståle Solbakken said, "He is the best striker. He is not playing for France or Argentina. He scores for Norway." Solbakken also noted that Haaland could have scored four goals, missing an open net in the first half.
Golden Boot Race Heats Up
The three stars have combined for 13 goals: five for Messi, four each for Mbappe and Haaland. Iraq coach Graham Arnold called it a very good competition for the Golden Boot. Solbakken acknowledged that winning the award is easier for players on top teams like France and Argentina, but added, "We'll try to give Erling more games and more help in the next games."
Haaland's Scoring Streak
Haaland has now scored in 12 consecutive competitive matches for Norway, with 24 goals in that span. His last scoreless game in a competitive match was Oct. 13, 2024. After his second goal, Haaland cupped his ear to encourage cheers from Norwegian fans, who performed their Viking rowing celebration.
Reflecting on his performance, Haaland said, "I don't know. It's my specialty to score goals. It's like many other things: I'm just really good at scoring goals, and I'm quite lucky. I don't know what I'm doing, but yeah. That's just how it is."
