First Published: Jun 19 2026 | 9:41 AM IST

84′ Cesar Huerta replaces Julian Quinones as Mexico’s final change. The local man comes on for his FIFA World Cup debut. Another fine display from Quinones, who was denied a goal in the first half by Kim.

Meanwhile, Kim makes another stunning save, this time to deny substitute Vargas. Gimenez lofts one towards Huerta, who heads it into the path of Vargas, whose right-footed shot towards the bottom-left corner is parried away by Kim.

Lionel Messi’s record-equalling World Cup hat-trick should have been the biggest talking point from Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria, but much of the conversation after the match centred on a controversial challenge that many believe warranted a red card.

The 38-year-old produced another World Cup masterclass, scoring all three goals as Argentina opened their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a convincing win. The hat-trick moved Messi level with Germany legend Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals, the joint-highest tally in tournament history.

However, a first-half incident involving Algeria captain Aissa Mandi quickly became one of the most debated moments of the tournament so far.

With Argentina leading 1-0, Messi appeared to catch Mandi on the back of the leg during a challenge. Referee Szymon Marciniak awarded a free-kick but took no further action, while VAR also chose not to intervene.

The decision immediately sparked outrage across social media, with many fans arguing that the challenge would have resulted in a red card had it been committed by another player.

Former Players And Pundits Weigh In

The debate intensified after several high-profile football figures publicly criticised the decision.

Former Real Madrid and Brazil defender Marcelo reportedly described the challenge as a red-card offence, suggesting Messi had benefited from his status.

Former Egypt captain Mohamed Aboutrika echoed that sentiment, saying the challenge deserved a sending-off and questioning why stronger punishment was not issued.

ESPN FC analysts Ale Moreno and Nedum Onuoha were also among those who felt the referee got the decision wrong, with both stating during their post-match analysis that the challenge met the threshold for a red card.

Meanwhile, social media was flooded with reactions from supporters, former players and pundits debating whether football’s biggest stars sometimes receive more lenient treatment from officials.

History Repeating Itself?

The controversy has also revived an old debate surrounding Messi’s career.

Despite being one of football’s greatest-ever players, critics have long argued that the Argentine icon has occasionally benefited from favourable refereeing decisions, particularly on football’s biggest stages.

Supporters of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner strongly disagree, pointing to the countless fouls and rough treatment Messi has endured throughout his career.

Either way, the Algeria incident has once again placed the spotlight on officiating consistency at major tournaments.

Messi Continues To Rewrite History

Lost amid the controversy was another historic night from the Argentina captain.

Messi’s hat-trick not only secured three points for the defending world champions but also saw him equal Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup scoring record of 16 goals.

The feat adds another remarkable chapter to a World Cup career that already includes:

• World Cup winner (2022)
• Two World Cup final appearances
• World Cup Golden Ball winner
• Argentina’s all-time leading scorer
• Joint all-time World Cup top scorer

At 38 years old, Messi continues to deliver on football’s biggest stage.

But while Argentina celebrated a perfect start to their World Cup campaign, the debate surrounding his challenge on Aissa Mandi ensured that fans were talking about more than just the goals.

For many, Messi’s record-equalling hat-trick was the story of the night.

For others, the biggest question remains whether the Argentina captain should have still been on the pitch to complete it.**

Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings’ Scottie Thompson is named Finals MVP after helping Ginebra win the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup championship. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Scottie Thompson was in disbelief when he heard his name being called as the PBA Press Corps Finals MVP that made him the second recipient of the Ramon Fernandez Trophy.

“Wala talaga sa utak ko (I wasn’t even thinking about it),” Thompson said after his integral role in Barangay Ginebra’s successful run to the PBA Commissioner’s Cup crown.

Ginebra annexed its first championship in three years following Wednesday’s 88-76 Game 7 win over TNT, with Thompson putting up 19 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists and three steals to answer the challenge of providing ample help for Justin Brownlee.

End of struggles

Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings celebrate after beating TNT Tropang 5G and winning the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Thompson was among the locals that struggled prior to Game 7, but his big-time performance in the battle for all the marbles convinced most Press Corps members of his worthiness as Finals MVP for the third time in his career.

“I just really wanted to get this championship,” said Thompson, who also described this PBA crown as the hardest to win of all. “That’s why I was very emotional because I know my struggles in this series.”

Along with Troy Rosario and even Nards Pinto, Thompson was among those backing up another huge showing from Brownlee during the deciding game witnessed by more than 24,000 fans at the Mall of Asia Arena.

“We talked as a team as to how we could help Justin, what he has done during the previous two games is not sustainable,” added Thompson, referring to the 54 and 52 points scored by the beloved Ginebra import in Games 5 and 6, respectively.

“We all know that he can carry the team, but as a local, we need to give the needed support, not just in scoring but also the little things.”

Some Ginebra fans felt that Rosario had a stronger case over Thompson in the Finals MVP discussion for his consistency and hard-nosed play, particularly against TNT’s Chris McCullough.

Rosario came through again in Game 7, finishing with 13 points and seven rebounds to secure just his second PBA title. Rosario’s first one came five years ago with TNT in the Philippine Cup.

For Rosario, the championship felt even more special.

“I was able to fulfill my childhood dream,” Rosario said. “I remember when I was 8 years old when I started to become a fan of Ginebra.”

Unsung hero

Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings’ Nards Pinto reacts after scoring a big 3 in Game 7 of the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Then, there’s another unsung hero in Pinto, who apart from his stifling defense pumped in two huge threes during the fourth quarter that doused cold water on TNT’s persistent comeback tries.

Pinto’s second triple, which came from the left corner, made it 80-74 with barely three minutes to go, prompting a huge cheer from the crowd.

Coach Tim Cone had trusted Pinto to provide some quality minutes dating back from the early goings of the conference. The now-three-time champion was glad to repay his trust.

“Our morale was really down when we went to the dugout at halftime,” said Pinto after Ginebra trailed 47-40 at the break. “But we kept on fighting and it’s a good feeling that we won because it’s been a while.”

New Vikings GM Nolan Teasley has hit the ground running in adding several new staff members to his player personnel staff and scouting department while parting ways with several others. Will GM Teasley and his new additions (including former Bears GM Ryan Pace) now take a hard look at Vikings positions of need with OTAs and minicamp in the rearview mirror and training camp about six weeks away?

Teasley has made a few player moves in adding some young players who are not making headlines but could become good depth players. But is there a splashy move on the horizon after the Vikings soon get Brian O’Neill extended and pick up about $13 million in cap room to bring their total cap space for their Top 51 to around $27 million?

As Teasley and Company — along with Kevin O’Connell and Brian Flores representing the coaching staff —analyze the roster, they surely can identify a couple positions where help is needed.

GM Teasley and The Vikings’ Top Roster Needs

There are no more top centers hanging out there so it’s on Blake Brandel to prove he can be a quality center. The rest of the offense appears to be in good shape with the wide receivers an obvious strength and the quarterback derby between Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy certainly the most critical decision ahead for O’Connell this season (and for Teasley and O’Connell in 2027).

Defensively, I believe Flores is excited about his defensive line depth with the possibility of two rookie starters if Caleb Banks is healthy and Domonique Orange develops quickly in the Vikings’ scheme. The corners seem to be OK if free agent signee James Pierre and fifth-round pick Charles Demmings are quality corners behind starters Byron Murphy and Isaiah Rodgers. The inside linebackers are a team strength with Blake Cashman, Eric Wilson, Ivan Pace, and second-rounder Jake Golday.

Which brings us to the two areas I think are the most shaky heading into training camp — depth at edge rusher and starting safeties.

I think the coaches will convince Harrison Smith to return for his 15th season and with Smith, third-rounder Jakobe Thomas, and Josh Metellus, the safety spot should be in good shape (and Theo Jackson and Jay Ward can battle it out for the fourth safety spot but the coaches can’t be excited about the position if Smith decides to retire).

But if the pass rush is among the best in the league, then the safeties don’t necessarily have to be elite although it would be nice if Thomas quickly emerges and pairs with Smith as Metellus continues to play his hybrid safety/linebacker role.

Unless Golday quickly emerges as a solid edge rusher (as indicated on draft day) in addition to his ability to play inside ‘backer, we’ll have to  continue to harp on the ill-advised decision to trade Jonathan Greenard, an elite edge rusher when healthy unless a vet free agent of renown is brought aboard.

As O’Connell, Flores, and GM Teasley and his staff look at the edge rusher group, they have to be concerned about who will be in the rotation to give Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner a break since rushing the passer is one of the most physically demanding jobs in football. And I’ve always believed pass rushers are the second most important position in the NFL after quarterback (I go back to something Bud Grant often said—“give me a great quarterback and a fourth-quarter pass rush”).

Bo Richter, Tyler Batty, and Chaz Chambliss are all former undrafted players who may develop into decent players but at this point, they’re not going to strike fear in QBs and OCs around the league. Golday seems to be the player of potential promise as the rotational player at the position on the current roster but we’re talking about a rookie who is unproven in the NFL.

Enter Teasley and the Vikings’ new player personnel team.

Who’s still available? The top two edge rushers still on the free agent market are Joey Bosa (five sacks, five forced fumbles, and 42 pressures for the Bills last season while making $12.6 million but his cap hit was less with voidable years on the deal; Bosa has 77 career sacks over 10 years) and Jadeveon Clowney (8.5 sacks and 32 pressures for the Cowboys who paid him a bargain $3.45 million; 66.5 career sacks over 12 seasons).

Haason Reddick is another veteran edge rusher of lesser ability at this stage of his career compared to Bosa and Clowney and he was more pricey at $14 million in 2025. Reddick had 2.5 sacks and 23 pressures for the Bucs last season and has 61.5 career sacks over nine seasons.

I have to believe Teasley, O’Connell, and Flores are kicking the tires on these three vets, especially Bosa and Clowney who would certainly upgrade the Vikings edge rusher group. And I think the team can structure a deal that would not be difficult to absorb on their salary cap and could make the Vikings defense more formidable.

Thoughts on Brendan Sorsby entering the NFL  

First of all, I’d be extremely surprised if the Vikings put a draft choice bid on the talented but problematic Sorsby in a potential supplemental draft if the NFL indeed schedules one for the former University of Cincinnati quarterback. I think the Vikings are going to stick with their current QB group and let them battle it out for this season and the future.

Sorsby signed with Texas Tech this year only to be implicated in a scandal that involved placing at least 40 bets on his own team while at Indiana and was ruled ineligible by the NCAA for placing more than 9,000 bets for at least $90,000 while a college player. He was granted reinstatement by a Texas judge before the Big 12 raised a ruckus and Sorsby ultimately applied for the NFL supplemental draft.

He’s a big QB with a strong arm and running ability who most scouts rate as a first, second, or third-round talent. The big questions are if he’s kicked his gambling habit, whether the NFL will suspend him upon entering the league, how long that suspension would be, and if there are teams willing to risk a premium draft pick (that would be then deducted from their 2027 draft choices) if they select him.

Bernie Kosar was a first-round pick in the 1985 supplemental draft by the Browns and had a fine career that included multiple playoff years and a Pro Bowl season in 1987. Hall of Famer Cris Carter entered the NFL as a fourth-round supplemental draftee of the Eagles. But it’s been many years since a top prospect such as Sorsby has been available in this way and the baggage he brings is a huge red flag.

If my team needed a better QB — and I’m thinking of the Jets, Cardinals, and Browns today — I would thoroughly investigate and vet Sorsby as to where his gambling addiction stands as he comes out of treatment.

Gambling is such a no-no in the NFL and all pro sports that I would be extremely cautious about bringing him on my team and I probably would pass, especially for a player at the highest profile position of quarterback and considering the 2027 draft is expected to feature an excellent QB class headed by the likes of Arch Manning and Dante Moore.   

But when players with significant off-field baggage such as Deshaun Watson and Tyreek Hill get big contracts from teams such as Cleveland, Kansas City, and Miami, it’s likely there will be several teams who put in a draft choice bid for Sorsby and I expect it to be a third-round pick and possibly as high as a second-rounder. Then Sorsby will be under intense scrutiny from the league, his team, the media and the fans for the next several years and possibly for his entire career.

Jeff Diamond is a former Vikings GM, former Tennessee Titans President and was selected NFL Executive of the Year … More about Jeff Diamond

HOME SUPPORT Qatar’s soccer team in training session on the eve of its World Cup match against Canada on June 17 in Vancouver, British Columbia. —AP

VANCOUVER, British Columbia—Qatar brought a cheering section to the World Cup by treating a large contingent of supporters to an all-expenses-paid trip to North America.

Some 1,000 Qatari fans have descended on Vancouver, via jets chartered by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, ahead of Thursday’s match against Canada.

The fans are staying at posh hotels, including the Fairmont and the JW Marriott Parq. They’ve been turning heads downtown, breaking out traditional darbuka drums.

“First of all I would like to thank everyone who went the extra mile and made the journey out here,” captain Abdulaziz Hatem said. “We are very aware of the responsibility. We are going to do whatever it takes for them to leave the stadium happy and for them to be proud of us.”

Qatar’s Social and Sport Contribution Fund partnered with the Persian Gulf nation’s soccer federation to pay for the “Qatari Fans Delegation Program” for the World Cup.

The fund covers flights, hotels and local transportation and other perks.

The federation said the aim was to create “a vibrant stadium atmosphere that will help push the players toward the best possible results on the global stage.” Qatari students in the United States and Canada were also invited to attend the matches.

Faring better this time

Qatari fans are sure to be heavily outnumbered by red-clad Canadians at BC Place.

A major exporter of natural gas and oil, Qatar has a population of some 3.2 million. It hosted the World Cup in 2022 and made its first appearance in the tournament, becoming the first host country to lose all of its group matches.

Qatar has fared better this time. Boualem Khoukhi scored on a header in stoppage time to give the Qataris a surprising 1-1 draw against Switzerland in Santa Clara, California.

Canada also earned its first World Cup point with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina last Friday in Toronto. Cyle Larin scored the tying goal in the 78th minute.

Check in to GOLF’s Tour Confidential every Sunday night for the unfiltered opinions of our writers and editors as they break down the hottest topics in the sport. This week, with the U.S. Open at Shinnecock, we’ll hit one key topic each night.

A ton of stars are atop the leaderboard after one day at the U.S. Open, although 50 players still have some holes remaining to complete their first round. Wyndham Clark leads at six under (thru 16), while marquee names like Matt Fitzpatrick, Dustin Johnson, Gary Woodland and Jon Rahm are all two under, and Rory McIlroy and Ludvig Aberg at one under. Who are you most confident sticks around (among these players or others), and who do you think doesn’t?

Josh Berhow, managing editor (@Josh Berhow): Matt Fitzpatrick started slowly but isn’t going anywhere. He’s hit a bunch of greens so far (12 of 16) and is putting well, and he’s a guy who is favored under tough, U.S. Open conditions. On the other hand, I don’t think DJ will stick around. He made a messy double bogey on his last hole before the horn blew, and he just hasn’t contended in a major in a while. It would make for a much better tournament if he were in the mix, but recent results haven’t given me much optimism.

Sean Zak, senior writer (@sean_zak): People may not love to hear it, but the last time Wyndham Clark’s form was this good was … the summer of 2023, when he won the U.S. Open. I think he’ll ball-strike his way around Shinny and stay in contention. It’s just a matter of how hot that putter can stay when these green speeds increase across the weekend.