Defending champions Argentina kicked off their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in emphatic fashion, defeating Algeria 3-0 in their Group J opener with Lionel Messi producing a memorable hat-trick.

The Argentine captain once again proved decisive on the biggest stage, scoring all three goals as his side secured maximum points and sent an early warning to the rest of the tournament contenders.

Messi opened the scoring in the first half before adding two more goals after the break to complete his hat-trick. His performance ensured Argentina remained in control throughout the contest and rarely looked troubled by the Algerian side.

The victory was particularly significant as it came in Messi’s landmark 200th international appearance for Argentina. The veteran forward marked the occasion in style, delivering one of the standout individual displays of the tournament so far.

Argentina dominated possession and created the better opportunities throughout the match, while Algeria struggled to find a way past a disciplined Argentine defence. The reigning world champions combined defensive solidity with attacking quality to comfortably secure the result.

The win gives Argentina an ideal start in Group J, where they will next face Austria. Algeria, meanwhile, will look to bounce back when they take on Jordan in their second group-stage fixture.

With Messi showing he remains capable of influencing matches at the highest level, Argentina’s title defence has begun on a highly positive note.

Portuguese football player Diogo Jota and his elder brother died in a road accident on Thursday in Spain’s Zamora when a tyre of their Lamborghini burst.

Jota’s brother Andre Silva was a footballer. Police said the accident occurred past midnight and the brothers were the only ones in the car and no other vehicle appears to be involved.

The police are yet to find out which of the two were was at the wheel. They said the accident may have been caused by a tyre blowout when they attempted to overtake another vehicle.

Spanish media have release video footage of the aftermath showing skid marks on the road along with a burnt-up car, surrounded by destroyed vegetation. A truck driver passing by the scene also caught the Lamborghini engulfed in video, which has since circulated by the local media.

The accident has occurred only 11 days after Jota’s wedding with Rute Cardoso. The couple had three children.

Jota played for English Premier League club Liverpool FC and also was part of the Portugal squad that beat Spain in the recent UEFA Nation’s League. His brother Andre Silva also played for Penafiel in the lower Portuguese leagues.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot said he has no words after the accident. As his football manager his thoughts are not for his team, it’s for his father, son, brother and uncles who are suffering an unimaginable loss, Slot said.

Portugal Prime Minister Luis Montenegro expressed his deepest condolences to the bereaved family and that it is a sad day for football. Jota was an athlete who greatly honoured Portugal’s name, he added.

Former Manchester United and England football icon David Beckham received a knighthood on Saturday, recognising his stellar sporting career and extensive charitable contributions.

The prestigious title, bestowed upon British citizens for exceptional achievements in fields such as sport, politics, and arts, traces its origins to the Middle Ages.

Beckham, now 50, enjoyed a distinguished career, rising through Manchester United’s academy to spend 11 years with the club. His journey took him to Europe’s elite clubs, including Real Madrid, AC Milan, and Paris Saint-Germain.

Internationally, he earned 115 caps for England, captaining the team 59 times and appearing in three World Cup tournaments. His trophy cabinet boasts six Premier League titles, a Champions League crown, and two FA Cups with Manchester United, alongside league titles with Real Madrid and PSG.

Renowned for his technical prowess and clutch performances, Beckham is celebrated for moments like his iconic free-kick against Greece, securing England’s qualification for the 2002 World Cup.

Reflecting on the knighthood, he expressed gratitude: “Captaining and playing for England was the greatest honour of my career—a childhood dream fulfilled. Off the pitch, representing Britain globally and working with remarkable organisations to support communities and inspire youth has been a privilege. I’m deeply proud and emotional to share this moment with my family, and it’s still sinking in.”

Beyond football, Beckham has made significant charitable impacts, notably through his partnership with UNICEF since 2005 and other organisations dedicated to aiding communities in need.