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It was a day of superstar scorers doing what they do best: putting the ball in the back of the net.
As 2022 World Cup finalists, Argentina and France, got off to hot starts in their North American adventures, here are who the biggest winners and losers were from Day 6 of the biggest sports tournament on the planet.
More news: 40-Year-Old Cape Verde Goalkeeper Makes World Cup History vs Spain
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – JUNE 16: Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates after scoring his sides third goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match between Argentina and Algeria at Kansas City Stadium on June 16, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by MB Media/Getty Images)
More news: Did Lionel Messi Break the World Cup Goal Record vs Algeria?
He’s 38, already done everything he has to do in the sport, and could take it easy if he wanted to. But that’s not what Messi does. When he puts on the Argentina stripes, he turns into the equivalent of the sun, and everyone revolves around him. Algeria tried to stop him, Messi even scoring an offside goal to start the game, yet, like every other defense that has tried, they couldn’t.
Messi scored a hat trick, tied Miroslav Klose for the most goals in World Cup history (16), and everyone at venue in Kansas City, including Patrick Mahomes, bowed down to him. For a man that has millions of magical nights, this was one of his greatest.
No matter what Ronaldo does tomorrow in Portugal’s opener against DR Congo, unless he scores a hat trick or better, he’s going to be criticized and compared to Messi.
Tuesday saw not only Messi star, but Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland light up the global stage as well, scoring two goals each.
That means Ronaldo at 41-years-old, is going to be expected to at least score one goal against a minnow like DR Congo. If he can’t, though, and if Portugal struggles, the questions around whether what Ronaldo’s role on the team should be will only get louder. Ronaldo loves the pressure and likes living up to the moment, and that is what he’s going to get on Wednesday morning.
More news: Cape Verde’s 40-Year-Old Goalie Now Has More Followers Than These Stars
NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY, UNITED STATES – JUNE 16: Supporters of France during the World Cup match between France v Senegal at the New York/New Jersey Stadium on June 16, 2026 in New York/New Jersey United States (Photo by Marcel Bonte/Soccrates/Getty Images)
More news: Did Lionel Messi Break the World Cup Goal Record vs Algeria?
As cliche as it sounds, you really couldn’t have asked for a better first six days of a World Cup. We’ve had goals aplenty, superstars living up to their names, unknowns becoming international heroes, and every game filled to the brim with supporters.
The only game without a goal so far this tournament? Cape Verde vs. Spain, which will go down as one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history, as the tiny nation drew even with the European champions.
It was not a great night for Jordan’s goalkeeper.
In a 1-1 game in the second half, he cried out for a handball after Austria scored a goal that he should have done better with from the corner. The official and VAR eventually sided with Abulaila, only for Austria to then score only a few minutes later, off another set piece that was deflected by a Jordan player into the net.
And how did his night end? One of his own players getting called for a handball defending a last second shot by Austria, which resulted in the player who initially got his goal taken away, Marko Arnautović, scoring a penalty against Abulaila. It was not a good night for Jordan’s last line of defense, and he will need to be better if they have any shot of making it out of a group with Argentina and Algeria.
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As 2022 World Cup finalists, Argentina and France, got off to hot starts in their North American adventures, here are who the biggest winners and losers were from Day 6 of the biggest sports tournament on the planet.
More news: 40-Year-Old Cape Verde Goalkeeper Makes World Cup History vs Spain
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KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – JUNE 16: Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates after scoring his sides third goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match between Argentina and Algeria at Kansas City Stadium on June 16, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by MB Media/Getty Images)
More news: Did Lionel Messi Break the World Cup Goal Record vs Algeria?
Winner: Lionel Messi
He’s 38, already done everything he has to do in the sport, and could take it easy if he wanted to. But that’s not what Messi does. When he puts on the Argentina stripes, he turns into the equivalent of the sun, and everyone revolves around him. Algeria tried to stop him, Messi even scoring an offside goal to start the game, yet, like every other defense that has tried, they couldn’t.
Messi scored a hat trick, tied Miroslav Klose for the most goals in World Cup history (16), and everyone at venue in Kansas City, including Patrick Mahomes, bowed down to him. For a man that has millions of magical nights, this was one of his greatest.
Loser: Cristiano Ronaldo
No matter what Ronaldo does tomorrow in Portugal’s opener against DR Congo, unless he scores a hat trick or better, he’s going to be criticized and compared to Messi.
Tuesday saw not only Messi star, but Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland light up the global stage as well, scoring two goals each.
That means Ronaldo at 41-years-old, is going to be expected to at least score one goal against a minnow like DR Congo. If he can’t, though, and if Portugal struggles, the questions around whether what Ronaldo’s role on the team should be will only get louder. Ronaldo loves the pressure and likes living up to the moment, and that is what he’s going to get on Wednesday morning.
More news: Cape Verde’s 40-Year-Old Goalie Now Has More Followers Than These Stars
You must be registered for see images attach
NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY, UNITED STATES – JUNE 16: Supporters of France during the World Cup match between France v Senegal at the New York/New Jersey Stadium on June 16, 2026 in New York/New Jersey United States (Photo by Marcel Bonte/Soccrates/Getty Images)
More news: Did Lionel Messi Break the World Cup Goal Record vs Algeria?
Winner: The Fans
As cliche as it sounds, you really couldn’t have asked for a better first six days of a World Cup. We’ve had goals aplenty, superstars living up to their names, unknowns becoming international heroes, and every game filled to the brim with supporters.
The only game without a goal so far this tournament? Cape Verde vs. Spain, which will go down as one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history, as the tiny nation drew even with the European champions.
Loser: Yazeed Abulaila
It was not a great night for Jordan’s goalkeeper.
In a 1-1 game in the second half, he cried out for a handball after Austria scored a goal that he should have done better with from the corner. The official and VAR eventually sided with Abulaila, only for Austria to then score only a few minutes later, off another set piece that was deflected by a Jordan player into the net.
And how did his night end? One of his own players getting called for a handball defending a last second shot by Austria, which resulted in the player who initially got his goal taken away, Marko Arnautović, scoring a penalty against Abulaila. It was not a good night for Jordan’s last line of defense, and he will need to be better if they have any shot of making it out of a group with Argentina and Algeria.
Related Articles
- Argentina and Messi Are Back on Top: World Cup Power Rankings After Day 6
- Did Lionel Messi Break the World Cup Goal Record vs Algeria?
- What's Going on with Cameron Brink?
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