World Cup 2026: Key takeaways from the opening group stage matches

A first-ever hat-trick for Lionel Messi, heavyweights Spain stunned by tiny Cape Verde, and DR Congo silencing Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal. What more could you ask from the opening week of a FIFA World Cup? Recommended Stories list of 3 items end of list After the first round of group matches, here are our top 10 takeaways: Last dance? Perhaps not, Lionel Messi has more in store Before the tournament kicked off in North America, many thought Lionel Messi would be gearing himself up for his final act. But after his first-ever World Cup hat-trick – one that also matched the record for most World Cup goals – Messi has reminded us his story is not over just yet. Where is Cristiano Ronaldo? Portugal star goes missing While the Messi mania dominated headlines over recent days, his longtime rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, also made the news, albeit for the wrong reasons. “Is he past his prime?” was the collective question of viewers after his mostly anonymous display in Portugal’s 1-1 draw with DR Congo on Wednesday. There is no stopping Kylian Mbappe Becoming France’s all-time leading scorer always seemed a matter of when, not if, for Kylian Mbappe, and achieving the feat in their opening World Cup match was further proof of his extraordinary talent. The 27-year-old, now just two shy of matching the all-time haul for most World Cup goals, is making a habit of chasing records. The Golden Boot race is taking shape Long-range rockets, tap-ins, headers and more. …