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.

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.

Lionel Messi has added another achievement to his account. Messi was voted FIFA’s best male player for the year 2022. Messi made Argentina the World Cup champion, ending a 36-year drought. He scored seven goals in this tournament.

On the other hand, Alexia Putellas won the female best player award at the FIFA football awards 2022.

Lionel Messi’s compatriot and coach Lionel Scaloni was named the best male coach. Scaloni guided the South Americans to the World Cup title. Messi, 35, left behind French forward Kylin Mbappe and Karim Benzema for this award. Apart from making Argentina the World Cup champion, Messi scored 27 goals in a total of 49 matches for the country and club in 2021-22.

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What did Messi say on receiving the award?

Lionel Messi won the FIFA Best Men’s Player award for the second time. He said, ‘This is wonderful. It has been an amazing year and it is an honour for me to be here to receive the award. I wouldn’t be here without my teammates. I have achieved my long held dream. Only a few people achieve this and I feel fortunate to have done so.’

Lionel Scaloni, the coach who won Argentina the World Cup title, beat Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti at the ceremony in Paris. Guardiola led Manchester City to their sixth Premier League title. At the same time, Ancelotti had given Real Madrid the Champions League title.

England manager Sarina Wigman was voted the best women’s coach of the year. He guided England to the European Championship title last year. It was the team’s first major trophy. Aston Villa and Argentina’s Emiliano Martinez won the best goalkeeper award while England’s Mary Earps won the women’s award. Barcelona’s Alexia Putelas was voted the best female player of the year.

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