World Cup superstars on full display as Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland shine in Monday's slate

Sacha Kljestan, Brad Guzan and Melissa Ortiz react to Argentina's 2-0 win over Austria, thanks to Leo Messi's brace making him the all-time goalscorer (18 goals) in FIFA World Cup history. Argentina is also moving on to the Round of 32.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has been nothing short of miraculous thus far, especially when you look at what the superstars of the tournament have been doing on the pitch.

Monday’s slate of games, which featured three of the game’s premier goalscorers, was perhaps the peak of the tournament thus far.

The story of the day had to be Argentina’s Lionel Messi, who set the all-time World Cup goals record, surpassing Germany’s Miroslav Klose for the lead as his illustrious career accolades continue.

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Argentina's Lionel Messi reacts after scoring his third goal during the World Cup Group J match against Algeria in Kansas City, Mo., on June 16, 2026. (Ed Zurga/AP Photo)

Messi not only notched his 17th World Cup goal in the first half of Argentina’s win over Austria, but he added an 18th goal late in the second half to put a cherry on top of yet another wonderful performance.

Through just two matches in the World Cup, Messi already has five goals to his name, scoring a hat trick in Argentina’s first tournament win against Algeria. And he’s doing this at 38 years old, showcasing the same skill he had in his prime for country and club while furthering his case as the best soccer player to ever wear a pair of boots.

But Messi wasn’t the only superstar to show out on Monday. In fact, he wasn’t even the only one to score two goals in a victory.

LIONEL MESSI'S GREATNESS SHINES WITH WORLD CUP HAT TRICK AGAINST ALGERIA

France's Kylian Mbappe and Norway’s