Messi sets World Cup scoring record as Algeria and Austria draw 3-3 thriller to reach last 32
Lionel Messi became the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches, while a frantic 3-3 draw sent Algeria and Austria through to the knockout stage on the final night of group play.
The group stage of the expanded 48-team World Cup concluded with a flurry of goals and late drama across North America. Four matches produced 14 goals, none more chaotic than Algeria’s 3-3 stalemate with Austria, a result that saw both sides advance to the round of 16. Earlier, the Democratic Republic of Congo overturned a deficit to beat Uzbekistan 3-1 and lock up a knockout berth, while Portugal laboured to a goalless draw with Colombia.
Argentina ease through as Messi rewrites history
Lionel Messi started on the bench but entered at the hour mark against Jordan and curled in a trademark free-kick 20 minutes later, sealing a 3-1 victory. The goal extended his run of scoring in seven straight World Cup appearances, a feat no man had achieved before. Argentina already had top spot in Group J secured and finished the group phase with a perfect record, resting several regulars in what was effectively a second-string side.
Algeria and Austria share six-goal classic
In the night’s most breathless contest, Austria snatched a 3-3 draw in the dying moments against Algeria. Both teams knew a point would be enough, yet the match swung wildly: Algeria led early, Austria stormed back, and a last-gasp equaliser guaranteed a spot for each in the last 32. The six-goal spectacle made it the highest-scoring game of the night.
- Algeria vs Austria
- 6
- Argentina vs Jordan
- 4
- DR Congo vs Uzbekistan
- 4
- Portugal vs Colombia
- 0
DR Congo fight back to book historic place
DR Congo fell behind to Uzbekistan but responded with three unanswered goals to win 3-1 and finish third in Group K, claiming a place in the knockout phase. The comeback marked the first time the nation had progressed beyond the group stage in its World Cup history.
Portugal held by Colombia, Ronaldo quiet
A subdued Portugal were unable to break down Colombia, drawing 0-0 and finishing second in Group K behind the South Americans. Cristiano Ronaldo was kept off the scoresheet as his side managed only one shot on target. Earlier on the same day, England beat Panama 2-0 to top Group L, while Croatia joined them in the next round after a 2-1 win over already-qualified Ghana.
48-team format under scrutiny as first round ends
With all 32 slots for the round of 16 now filled, attention returns to the tournament structure. The leap from 32 to 48 teams prompted 104 matches across 12 groups and stretched the schedule through late June. FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who pushed through the reform in 2017, has long defended the expansion.
All nations have the right to dream. Football is not limited to Europe and Latin America.
Critics argue the swollen group stage has diluted intensity, though moments like Algeria-Austria and the DR Congo fightback have supplied late-night entertainment. The knockout bracket begins with the round of 16 on Sunday.
