Lionel Messi announced his presence at the 2026 World Cup in dramatic fashion on Wednesday night, scoring all three goals in their win over Algeria. The 38-year-old scored his first ever hat-trick at the World Cup for Argentina, in a masterclass that will live long in the memory. There had been some doubt about Messi’s level, after several seasons in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami, and some injury issues during that time. Messi himself had expressed uncertainty that he would even make the tournament last year, but against Algeria he appeared to dispel all doubts. It remains to be seen how he will hold up physically as the tournament goes on.

Messi believes he is ‘very similar’ to Nadal

Following the game, Messi spoke to the press in the mix zone. He revealed that he and his Argentina teammates are currently watching RAFA, a new biopic on the career of Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal. “I love playing football, it’s been my passion since I was little and when I’m feeling good I give it my all. We’re watching Rafa Nadal’s series right now and I identify with him a lot, I think we’re very similar in that sense, that I always want to give my all and I want to feel good and I enjoy it that way. As long as I can and am well enough to do it, we’ll be there,” quote MD.

Can Messi lead Argentina back to glory?

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni may be pleased that the Albiceleste do not face any of the heavyweights in the group stage, allowing them to grow into the tournament. Certainly their midfield looked in fine fettle, and with Messi in that form, they will be a handful for any side. Perhaps the biggest question mark will be the pace of this Argentina side, who are relying on Giuliano Simeone to provide some of Angel di Maria’s runs in behind, although there is no substitute for the latter’s quality.

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Tournament favourites Spain ground to a shock 0-0 draw with Cape Verde to open their World Cup campaign, with the African side securing their first ever point on the world stage at the first time of asking. The Blue Sharks held Spain at arms’ length for most of their encounter, as evidenced by a remarkable statistic to emerge from the game.

While Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, 39 years of age, made a total of seven saves during the match, but he did not finish the game being peppered by efforts from La Roja. Although it was backs to the wall defending, they looked capable of holding Spain at bay throughout, who were unable to get their forwards into the game.

Mikel Oyarzabal sets unwanted World Cup record

That was epitomised by Mikel Oyarzabal, who came into the game on a run of 10 goal contributions in eight games in qualifying. Yet the Real Sociedad forward started at nine, and could not get into the match. Opta have reported that Oyarzabal was the first player in World Cup history, since records began in 1966, to go for thirty minutes without touching the ball.

0 – Spain's Mikel Oyarzabal is the first player on record since 1966 to play the first 30 minutes of a FIFA World Cup match without touching the ball once.

Peripheral. pic.twitter.com/Ym5xi1ufbg

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 15, 2026

When he finally did, it was a loose first touch that broke down a half-chance, with Oyarzabal looking to get a shot off. He finished the game with 25 touches, getting five shots off and making 10 passes, eight of which were successful.

Spain’s attacking issues against Cape Verde

Although Oyarzabal did not have a great game, it was symptomatic of their performance overall than just the Basque forward’s contribution. With Gavi and Ferran Torres out wide for the first 70 minutes, La Roja could not stretch their opposition, and there was little space in the final third. Luis de la Fuente will no doubt hope the return to fitness of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams will go some way to remedying that.

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Tournament favourites Spain are set to open their World Cup campaign this evening against Cape Verde in Atlanta at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Many eyes will be on Lamine Yamal, to see how the Barcelona star fares as he recovers from injury.

The Euro 2024 winners are seeking their second ever win, and optimism is high in Spain that they have the quality to do so. Up against them in their first game is Cape Verde, who are participating in their first ever tournament, with the oldest squad in the competition by average age.

Rodri and Pedri to anchor Spain midfield

According to Marca, Manchester City star Rodri Hernandez will anchor the midfield, with Pedri and Fabian Ruiz ahead of him. Mikel Oyarzabal will continue to lead the line between Alex Baena and Ferran Torres, in a line-up without too many surprises. New Real Madrid signing Marc Cucurella is also expected to start.

For Cape Verde, manager Bubista said he and his players were ready to take on any challenge. Veteran forward Ryan Mendes will captain the side, with Shamrock Rovers defender Roberto ‘Pico’ Lopes marshalling the backline.

Lamine Yamal to start on the bench

Many will be watching closely to see how Lamine Yamal fares, with the 18-year-old returning from injury after nearly two months out. Diario AS say that he will start on the bench, and manager Luis de la Fuente did not give away what his plan was. It seems Nico Williams and Victor Munoz, who have both been dealing with injuries too, will be sat alongside him. The latter is currently in negotiations to join Newcastle United this summer, and alongside Williams, is one of two wide players that stand out for their pace, an essential for de la Fuente.

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