Lionel Messi wrote himself further into World Cup folklore on day six of the 2026 tournament, scoring a hat-trick against Algeria to become the joint-all-time leading scorer in the competition's history. Kylian Mbappé netted twice as France edged Senegal, while Erling Haaland marked his World Cup debut with a brace for Norway.

Messi makes history on his 200th cap

Marking his 200th international appearance — just days before turning 39 — Messi's treble against Algeria pushed his World Cup finals tally to 16 goals, drawing him level with Germany's Miroslav Klose as the tournament's all-time top scorer.

His opener arrived when Inter Miami team-mate Rodrigo De Paul fed him the ball, and Messi bent a precise strike beyond Luca Zidane — son of France icon Zinedine Zidane — in only his 27th World Cup appearance. Argentina's second came on the hour mark, as Messi pounced on a Zidane error to finish from close range. He completed the hat-trick in the 76th minute with a thunderous effort from the edge of the box, sealing a commanding victory for the reigning champions.

Mbappé surpasses Giroud to become France's all-time top scorer

Kylian Mbappé, who scored a hat-trick in the World Cup final in Qatar four years ago, opened his 2026 account with two goals as France defeated Senegal in New Jersey. In doing so, the Real Madrid forward became France's all-time leading scorer, reaching 58 international goals — one more than former record-holder Olivier Giroud.

Bradley Barcola had put France 2-0 ahead before Ibrahim Mbaye pulled one back for Senegal. Mbappé had broken the deadlock in the second half with a low, measured strike, then killed off any hope of a Senegal comeback with a sensational long-range effort deep into stoppage time.

Haaland announces himself on the World Cup stage

Norway returned to the World Cup after a 28-year absence, and Erling Haaland made the occasion count, scoring twice as his side overcame Iraq 2-1 in Group I at Boston Stadium. The 25-year-old now has 57 goals in 51 appearances for his country. A hat-trick was denied only by a fine late block from Jalal Hassan.

David Moller Wolfe's overlapping run and low cross from the left was converted by Haaland at the far post just 58 seconds after the first-half hydration break. Iraq levelled in the 39th minute through Aymen Hussein, who met Amir Al-Ammari's cross with a powerful downward header — the same player who sealed Iraq's place at this World Cup with the winning goal against Bolivia in the intercontinental play-off final in March.

Austria see off Jordan in day's final match

Austria beat Jordan 3-1 to round off the day's action. Romano Schmid opened the scoring with a curling strike past Yazeed Abulaila. Ali Olwan levelled for Jordan before Austria reasserted control through a Yazan Al Arab own goal and a late Marko Arnautovic penalty to wrap up all three points.