World Cup Daily: Messi scores for Argentina as Austria and Algeria qualify

World Cup Daily: Messi scores for Argentina as Austria and Algeria qualify

Lionel Messi has extended his historic World Cup scoring record as Argentina cruised to a 3-1 victory over Jordan, while a dramatic draw in Kansas City ensured both Austria and Algeria progressed to the knockout stages.

Argentina, who had already secured their place in the Round of 32, saw manager Lionel Scaloni make nine changes to the starting lineup. Despite starting on the bench, Messi entered the match and scored a free kick from outside the area that curled around the wall into the bottom corner with 10 minutes remaining. The goal made Messi the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup games.

The victory was not without tension. After Giovani Lo Celso had a goal ruled out for offside, Argentina found the net again via a penalty when Inter Milan striker Marcos Senesi was fouled by Ehsan Haddad. Jordan managed to halve the deficit when substitute Mousa Tamari converted a low cross from Haddad. Argentina will now face Cape Verde in the next round.

In Kansas City, Austria and Algeria battled to a 3-3 stalemate in a match that determined the final two spots for the Round of 32. Austria opened the scoring through Marko Arnautovic, whose goal brought his national record to 49. Algeria responded through Rafik Belghali just before halftime, and later, Marcel Sabitzer put Austria back in front.

The closing stages provided maximum drama. Riyad Mahrez scored in stoppage time to put Algeria ahead 3-2, only for Saša Kalajdžić to equalize minutes later. Because a draw guaranteed progress for both teams, the result sent both sides through. Austria is scheduled to play Spain on July 2, 2026, at the Los Angeles Stadium.

England Advance as Scotland Exit

England secured the top spot in Group L with a 2-0 win over Panama in New Jersey. Following a goalless first half, Jude Bellingham scored from a corner and then assisted Harry Kane, who headed home the second goal shortly after. England finished the group stage with seven points, having previously beaten Croatia 4-2 and drawn 0-0 with Ghana.

The victory was tempered by injury concerns for right-back Jarrell Quansah, who hobbled off during the second half. England head coach Thomas Tuchel reported no issues with the pitch surface. England will face DR Congo in the Round of 32 after the African side defeated Uzbekistan 3-1, with Yoane Wissa starring for the victors.

Conversely, Scotland's tournament ended in disappointment. A 2-1 victory for Croatia over Ghana confirmed Scotland's elimination. Despite John McGinn helping Scotland earn their first win in 36 years against Haiti, losses to Morocco and Brazil — including a 3-0 defeat to Carlo Ancelotti's side — left their goal difference irreparable. Following the exit, Scotland manager Steve Clarke has resigned.

Controversy and Consequences

The tournament has seen high drama off the pitch. The Uruguayan football federation (AUF) has ordered players to return home on commercial flights rather than a private jet as an apology for a poor performance. Uruguay, featuring Federico Valverde and Darwin Nunez, was eliminated after a 1-0 loss to Spain on June 26, 2026, in Zapopan, Mexico.

In other news, ABC Los Angeles reporter Abigail Velez issued an apology after making innaproporiate comments about Bosnia and Herzegovina. The reporter had filmed a segment claiming she did not know the first thing about the nation shortly after they were confirmed as the United States' opponents in the Round of 32. Bosnia and Herzegovina reached the knockout stages for the first time in their history following a 3-1 win over Qatar, a result that left FOX pundit Zlatan Ibrahimovic visibly emotional due to his father's roots.

Other group stage results included a goalless draw between Colombia and Portugal in Miami, where a late Colombian effort from Davinson Sanchez was ruled out for offside.

The Round of 32 begins this evening with a match between South Africa and Canada, while the United States will face Bosnia and Herzegovina next Wednesday in San Francisco.