Another day, more superstars shining at the World Cup.
Lionel Messi set a World Cup record with his two goals, but two of the best strikers in the game scored two of their own. Kylian Mbappé, who one day might break Messi’s record of 18 World Cup goals, scored twice for France against Iraq, and then Erling Haaland netted twice for Norway against Senegal.
Here’s the best of Monday, June 22, at the FIFA World Cup.
Moment(s) Of The Day
Messi entered Monday’s game against Austria tied with former Germany striker Miroslav Klose with 16 goals as the all-time leaders in men’s World Cup goals. He had a golden chance to pass Klose but sent his penalty kick wide in the ninth minute.
In the 38th minute, though, Messi got his goal.
Left back Facundo Medina played a low cross near the penalty spot. Argentina winger Thiago Almada let the pass go under his legs to an oncoming Messi, who slotted his left-footed shot home past Austrian goalkeeper Alexander Schlager.
A bonus moment of the day: Norway’s celebrations after its win over Senegal.
The Norwegians have become famous for their rowing across the Northeast. The squad did what their fans did on the field after the win.
Goal Of The Day
If this is Messi’s last World Cup and Mbappé keeps up his current pace, he’ll one day be the World Cup’s all-time-leading goalscorer.
Mbappé showed why early in France’s win over Iraq. He got the ball on the right side of the 18-yard box from teammate Michael Olise, put it on his weaker left foot for a wonderful goal, his third of the tournament.
The France captain entered the tournament coming off a rough season with Real Madrid, but he’s once again showing why he’s one of the best players in the world â for one of the best teams in the World Cup.
Assist Of The Day
Erling Haaland didn’t even get to five touches in the first half. Senegal contained the star goalscorer, who couldn’t connect with Norway captain and playmaker Martin Odegaard.
It took a few minutes in the second half for that to change. Odegaard picked up the ball in midfield and slid a perfect pass into Haaland’s path that Kalidou Koulibaly just missed on his slide tackle.
From there, the finish was inevitable.
Save Of The Day
Senegal was under major pressure in the first half against Norway, which was creating chances and looking threatening going forward.
The best chance fell to Norway captain Martin Ãdegaard, who got his shot off quickly. Mendy, though, was quick to close down Ãdegaard and take away the space he had. The former Chelsea goalkeeper made himself big and blocked the shot with his left leg.
