Lionel Messi has spent nearly two decades rewriting football history.

On the opening day of Argentina’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner added another remarkable chapter to his legacy, scoring a hat-trick to become the joint-highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history.

The 38-year-old’s three-goal performance moved him onto 16 World Cup goals, drawing level with Germany legend Miroslav Klose at the top of the all-time scoring charts.

It was yet another reminder that even in the twilight of his career, Messi remains capable of delivering on football’s biggest stage.

Messi Responds To Mbappé And Haaland

Earlier in the day, football fans were celebrating impressive performances from two of the game’s biggest stars.

Kylian Mbappé scored twice as France opened their World Cup campaign with a 3-1 win over Senegal, while Erling Haaland also found the net twice for Norway.

But as has happened so many times throughout his career, Messi stole the spotlight.

The Argentina captain produced a hat-trick in his nation’s opening match of the tournament, not only securing victory for the reigning world champions but also equalling one of the most prestigious records in football history.

The Greatest Goalscorers In World Cup History

With potentially several matches still to play in this tournament, Messi now has a realistic opportunity to become the outright holder of the record before the 2026 World Cup ends.

A World Cup Career For The Ages

Messi’s World Cup journey began in Germany in 2006.

Twenty years later, he is still producing moments of brilliance on football’s biggest stage.

His World Cup résumé is unmatched:

• FIFA World Cup winner (2022)
• Two World Cup finals
• Golden Ball winner
• Most World Cup appearances by an outfield player
• Joint all-time World Cup top scorer
• 16 World Cup goals
• Countless assists and match-winning performances

The crowning moment of his international career came in Qatar in 2022 when he inspired Argentina to World Cup glory, scoring seven goals and lifting the one major trophy that had previously eluded him.

Many believed that tournament would be his final World Cup.

Instead, Messi has returned in 2026 and is once again making history.

Age Is Just A Number

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Messi’s latest achievement is his age.

At 38, most footballers have long since retired from international football or moved into reduced roles.

Messi, however, continues to decide matches at the highest level.

His hat-trick was a reminder that while football’s next generation, led by Mbappé, Haaland, Jude Bellingham and others, continues to emerge, the sport’s biggest stage still belongs to one of its greatest-ever players.

One More Record Within Reach

For years, Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 World Cup goals appeared untouchable.

Now Messi stands alongside him.

Given Argentina’s ambitions of defending their crown and the form shown by their captain in the opening game, it would be no surprise if the record becomes his alone before the tournament concludes.

And if that happens, it will be yet another milestone in a career that has already redefined greatness.

Anthony Yarde has compared the power of David Benavidez and Artur Beterbiev, who stopped the Brit in rounds seven and eight of their respective contests.

It was back in January 2023 when Yarde felt the full force of Beterbiev’s attacks, giving a spirited effort before ultimately losing his second world title challenge.

Following an eighth-round knockdown, the Ilford man was compassionately pulled out by his corner, with Beterbiev ultimately retaining his WBC, IBF and WBO titles.

Yarde then secured another light-heavyweight world title shot last November, this time facing WBC champion Benavidez in a largely one-sided affair.

Again, Yarde gave a gritty account of himself against a prolific knockout artist, but was eventually stopped on his feet after suffering a seventh-round knockdown.

Benavidez subsequently went on to dethrone Gilberto Ramirez last month, claiming the WBO and WBA titles with a sixth-round finish in his first cruiserweight outing.

But while ‘The Mexican Monster’ clearly carries destructive power, Yarde has told talkSPORT that he felt Beterbiev landed with greater venom.

“I fought them at different times. It’s hard to say. They’re just different fighters stylistically. I’ll say Beterbiev was the strongest, the hardest [puncher]. Believe it or not, I’m in there with Benavidez and he’s whacking [me] but none of these shots are really hurting me. [He’s got] very, very fast hands.”

Having become a three-division world champion, Benavidez must now decide whether to remain at 200lbs or drop back down to 175lbs, where he still holds the WBC title.

Beterbiev, meanwhile, has not fought since losing his rematch with Dmitry Bivol, whose majority decision victory relieved him of his undisputed crown in February 2025.

Since then, the 41-year-old has accused Benavidez of swerving their potential light-heavyweight showdown, while trainer and father Jose Benavidez Sr insists that they are open to negotiations.

Portugal vs DR Congo LIVE Score, FIFA World Cup 2026: Portugal’s FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign is about to begin, as they take on DR Congo in the opening Group K match in Houston. Led by Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal are one of the favourites to go all the way, also boasting stars like Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha and Nuno Mendes. Ronaldo has been named in Portugal’s starting XI, and is set to appear in his sixth World Cup. On the other hand, DR Congo are appearing in only their second-ever FIFA World Cup. Their only previous appearance came in 1974, 52 years ago, when they had qualified as Zaire. Indian-origin midfielder Samuel Moutoussamy is starting for DR Congo. (MATCH CENTRE LIVE)

Portugal vs DR Congo LIVE Updates, FIFA World Cup 2026 LIVE Score, straight from Houston:

One of the quickest ways to improve your scores is to dial in your distance control with your wedges. Of course, that’s easier said than done.

But Drew Stoltz, the co-host of GOLF’s Subpar Podcast, has a drill that can help you take your wedge game to the next level. It’s called the ladder drill.

In the latest episode of Emergency 9, presented by Cobra, Stoltz explains how he uses the drill to get the most out of his Cobra King wedges.

“It’s tailored to improve your distance control with your wedges,” Stoltz said. “All you need is a handful of balls and a chipping green. If you do this over and over before a round, it’s sure to improve your short game.”

So, how does the drill work?

“You find a spot on the green and you give yourself a lot of green to work with,” Stoltz said. “You need some decent space for this drill. Grab a handful of balls, go down off the green and pick out one club. The goal of this drill is to get as many balls on the green as possible with each shot going shorter than the shot before it.

“So, for instance, on my first shot, I’m going to try to get it as close to the back of the green, to the fringe, as possible without going over. For my next shot, I’m going to get as close to that ball as possible but it has to be shorter.”

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Then, you work your way down the ladder until a shot goes past where your last shot landed. However many balls you get on the green before hitting one too far is your score. Then, you pick the balls up and try to beat that score.

“This will dial in your distance control,” Stoltz said. “You’re going to learn how to hit different shots with the same club — low runners, high soft ones. It’s a great way to improve your short game.”

To hear more from Stoltz, check out the entire video above.

Portugal begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign tonight with a Group K clash against DR Congo in Houston, aiming to make a strong start in their pursuit of a first-ever world title.

Roberto Martinez’s side qualified impressively, scoring 20 goals in six matches, and arrive at the tournament as one of Europe’s strongest contenders. Much of the spotlight will once again fall on veteran captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who at 41 continues his quest to add the World Cup trophy to an already remarkable career.

For DR Congo, the tournament marks a historic return to football’s biggest stage. The African nation has qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1974, when it competed as Zaire. Their place in the finals was secured through the intercontinental play-offs, where they defeated Jamaica 1-0 in Guadalajara.

The Congolese squad spent much of its preparation period in Europe due to the Ebola outbreak back home, playing warm-up matches against Denmark and Chile before travelling to the United States. The extended wait also allowed them to closely observe the opening weeks of the tournament and assess the level of competition.

Forward Yoane Wissa believes the delayed start could work in his team’s favour as they look to continue the strong performances delivered by African nations such as Morocco, Egypt, Ivory Coast and Cape Verde.

Big match later on in the night

England and Croatia renew a familiar World Cup rivalry as they open their Group L campaigns in a rematch of the memorable 2018 semi-final, where Croatia came from behind to defeat the Three Lions before eventually finishing runners-up to France.

Several members of that Croatian side remain at the heart of the squad eight years later. Veteran captain Luka Modric, now 40, continues to lead the midfield, while experienced stars Ivan Perisic, Andrej Kramaric and Mateo Kovacic also remain important figures. Having reached the final in 2018 and secured third place at the 2022 World Cup, Croatia will be hoping their blend of experience and tournament know-how can inspire another deep run.

England, meanwhile, enter the tournament among the favourites and boast one of the most balanced squads in the competition. The only challenge facing Thomas Tuchel’s side may be the weight of expectation, with the nation still searching for its first World Cup triumph since 1966.

The Three Lions were forced into a late squad adjustment after Tino Livramento suffered an injury in training, leading to the inclusion of Trevoh Chalobah. In midfield, Elliot Anderson is expected to partner Declan Rice, while Jude Bellingham will operate in an advanced role behind captain Harry Kane.

With both nations possessing quality, experience and high ambitions, the Group L opener promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the opening round.

Portugal vs DR Congo probable starting XI

Portugal XI: Costa; Dalot, Dias, Veiga, Mendes; Vitinha, Neves, Fernandes; Conceicao, Cristiano Ronaldo, Leao.

DR Congo XI: Mpasi-Nzau; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Masuaku; Sadiki, Moutoussamy; Mbuku, Yoane Wissa, Elia; Bakambu.

FIFA World Cup 2026 live telecast: The live telecast of the FIFA World Cup 2026 matches will be available on the Unite8 Sports Network.

FIFA World Cup 2026 live streaming: The live streaming of the FIFA World Cup 2026 matches between will be available on the ZEE5 app and website.

Austria claimed their first FIFA World Cup victory since 1990 after beating debutants Jordan 3-1 in an entertaining Group J clash in San Francisco.

The win was a historic one for Ralf Rangnick’s side, who are appearing at the World Cup finals for the first time since 1998. It also marked Austria’s first World Cup win since their 2-1 victory over the United States on 19 June 1990.

Austria made the brighter start and took the lead in the 21st minute through Romano Schmid. The midfielder produced a superb strike from outside the box to give his side a deserved advantage.

Jordan, ranked 67th in the world, refused to back down and found an equaliser five minutes into the second half. Ali Olwan curled a fine effort past the Austrian goalkeeper to bring the scores level and continue his impressive tournament debut.

Former Stoke City and West Ham United forward Marko Arnautovic thought he had restored Austria’s lead shortly afterwards when he finished from close range after goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila failed to deal with a corner.

However, after a VAR review, the goal was ruled out because replays showed that Stefan Posch had handled the ball in the build-up.

Austria eventually found their second goal in the 76th minute. Under pressure from another corner, Jordan defender Yazan Al Arab accidentally flicked the ball into his own net to hand the Europeans the lead once again.

Arnautovic finally got on the scoresheet deep into stoppage time when he calmly converted a penalty after Saleem Obaid was penalised for handball.

The victory puts Austria in a strong position ahead of their next match against defending champions Argentina, who defeated Algeria 3-0 thanks to a hat-trick from Lionel Messi.

For Jordan, there were still positives despite the defeat. Their performance showed they can compete at this level, and they will now look for a positive result against Algeria before finishing their group campaign against Argentina.

Ali Olwan was named Player of the Match after an outstanding display and received an average rating of 8.0 for his efforts, despite ending up on the losing side.

Japan in action vs Serbia during the VNL Women’s Week 2 at Philsports Arena.

MANILA, Philippines — Japan survived a gritty Serbia side to eke out a come-from-behind  20-25, 26-24, 18-25, 32-20, 15-7 win and preserve a 5-0 record in the Volleyball Nations League women’s week 2 on Wednesday at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Mayu Ishikawa and Yukiko Wada saved the Japanese from the brink of defeat, delivering the finishing blows to keep the solo lead of the 18-nation, nine-leg pool phase league.

READ: PH all set for VNL Women’s Week 2 hosting 

Ishikawa delivered 24 points and the last two in the fifth set to seal the comeback win, while Wada chipped in 20 points — all from attacks.

Japan squandered a 24-22 advantage in the fourth after Serbia took five match points. Haruyo Shimamura put Japan ahead with a clutch block, 31-30, followed by Yoshino Sato’s set-clinching hit to force a decider.

Sato’s ace kept Serbia at bay in the fifth with a 13-5 spread, as she finished with 12 points off seven kills, four aces, and a block.  Shimamura had 11 points.

“Today, it was a good comeback.Serbia played really great. Great match. And we were struggling during the match, but after a while, we get the rhythm. So it was a great comeback. It’s the fifth victory in five matches, so it’s so good. We need to continue in this rhythm,” said Japan coach Fehrat Akbas, who was thrilled by the cheers of the Filipino crowd. 

 “All crowd, I see, I hear, Nippon, Nippon, so they supported us really good. We were feeling like we are in Japan, so thank you to all Philippine fans. I hope they come and support us for the next matches too.”

Aleksandra Uzelac scored 21 for Serbia. Nina Cajic chipped in 18 points only for them to drop to a 1-4 record.

Hena Kurtagic had five of Serbia’s 15 block points, while Japan had only a total of four.

Japan returns to action on Friday against Czechia, while Serbia has a short turnaround before facing defending champion Italy on Thursday at 8 p.m.

New York Knicks star OG Anunoby certainly played hard, and it looks like he partied hard, too.

The Knicks’ Game 4 hero appeared with some of his teammates on “Good Morning America” on Monday morning, and while he was physically present, mentally he might have been somewhere else.

Anunoby was asked about the difference first-year head coach Mike Brown made and how he brought the team together. The 28-year-old remained mute and stared off into the void, as if he didn’t hear the question.

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Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Michael Strahan, Robin Roberts and George Stephanopoulos appear on Good Morning America on June 15, 2026. (Paula Lobo/American Broadcasting Companies, Inc.)

After a couple of seconds of silence, the “Good Morning America” crew and Anunoby’s Knicks teammates burst out laughing. Jalen Brunson, being the good captain that he is, offered to step up and answer the question through laughter.

Karl-Anthony Towns then took the reins and answered the question, while Anunoby sat there oblivious. For Anunoby, the Knicks’ title celebration was the first time he had consumed alcohol, according to The Athletic’s report.

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New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby makes a game-winning tip shot vs. the San Antonio Spurs in Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden. (Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images)

His first sip — or rather, chug — of alcohol was a strong pull of tequila in the Knicks’ locker room. By the looks of how things went on Monday morning, Anunoby didn’t stop drinking after the locker room.

The team threw a party Sunday night in Manhattan at a private club after immediately flying back from Texas, according to the New York Post.

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OG Anunoby of the New York Knicks celebrates after winning the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs during Game Five at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, on June 13, 2026. (Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE)

At one point during the interview, Michael Strahan asked Anunoby to smile, which he did, much to the delight of his teammates. Anunoby looked like he was struggling to keep his eyes open after Strahan’s request, sending his teammates into further hysteria.

Anunoby, who was named to the NBA’s All-Defensive Second Team, was integral in the team’s playoff run. He played shutdown defense while also serving as a meaningful offensive contributor. He averaged just more than 20 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.1 blocks across 17 playoff games.

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Apple TV+ renewed Widow’s Bay for a second season on June 11, confirming that the series will return with a new installment days before season 1 was scheduled to conclude. As of now, we don’t have reports of a release date or what might follow in the upcoming season after the cryptic Season 1 finale.

Premiered on April 29, 2026, Widow’s Bay follows Mayor Tom Loftis (Matthew Rhys), a desperate politician determined to reshape the narrative of a sleepy, isolated New England community. Lacking Wi-Fi and cell reception, Tom tries to boost the local economy by turning the island into a bustling tourist destination, completely dismissing the warnings of his highly superstitious residents.

Widow’s Bay confirmed to return for a second season on Apple TV: Everything we know so far

No cast members have been officially confirmed for Widow’s Bay Season 2 yet. However, Matthew Rhys is expected to return as Tom Loftis, alongside Kate O’Flynn, Stephen Root, and Kevin Carroll. Most of the main cast from Season 1 will likely return as well. This could include K Callan as Ruth Livingston, who survived her injury in the finale, and Kingston Rumi Southwick as Tom’s son, Evan Loftis.

The Season 1 ending revealed that Evan is a descendant of Richard Warren. Because he is still alive, the island’s curse remains unbroken, making him an important character for any future storylines in Season 2. At this point, these are simply predictions.

Katie Dippold has already hinted that there is plenty more story left to tell in Widow’s Bay. Following Apple TV+’s renewal announcement, the creator, showrunner, and executive producer jokingly described that everything would be fine in the island in Season 2. She said:

“Season two is about how everything is great on the island and there’s nothing to worry about.”

The show’s strong reception among audiences played a key role in securing another season. Reflecting on the series’ success, Matt Cherniss, head of programming for Apple TV, said:

“From the moment audiences arrived in Widow’s Bay, they’ve been hooked on every eerie mystery, unexpected laugh and cursed secret that Katie, Hiro [Murai, executive producer and director], Matthew and the entire team have created. It’s become one of those shows everyone’s talking about, and we’re thrilled to see audiences continue to embrace it. We can’t wait to return for another season.”

It is tough to predict exactly when Widow’s Bay Season 2 will arrive on Apple TV+. While the show’s renewal was announced just days before the first season wrapped up, Apple TV is yet to annouce a release date.

The first season starred Matthew Rhys as Mayor Tom Loftis alongside Kate O’Flynn, Stephen Root, Kevin Carroll, K Callan, and Kingston Rumi Southwick. Viewers who want to catch up before Season 2 can stream all episodes of Widow’s Bay Season 1 exclusively on Apple TV+.