The daytime edition of "Night Mundial" opens with a match whose final whistle blew after the morning digest was already published: Argentina vs Algeria (3-0, Group J) ended at around 08:30 Kyiv time — and with it, an entire series of Lionel Messi records.
Messi — 16 World Cup goals: Klose's record equalled
The 38-year-old Argentina captain scored three goals against Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City — in the 17th, 60th and 76th minutes. It is Messi's first hat-trick at a World Cup in 20 years of competing in the tournament. The three goals brought him to 16 World Cup goals — the same tally as legendary German striker Miroslav Klose, the all-time record holder. In addition, Messi now has 24 goal contributions (goals + assists) at World Cups, surpassing Pelé (21) in that category. The match was his 200th cap for the national team and a record sixth appearance at a World Cup — no player in history has featured at the tournament that many times.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni praised his captain's brilliance after the match. Algeria's manager Vladimir Petković had publicly stated before the game that his team had not prepared a specific plan to stop Messi, instead aiming to cut off space for the other attacking players. The result showed that tactic did not work.
Mbappé — France's all-time top scorer, Haaland — a dream debut
The night of 16–17 June produced two more standout stories that concluded before 08:00 Kyiv time and were already covered in the morning digest, but are worth a brief recap as context. France beat Senegal 3-1: Kylian Mbappé scored twice and became France's all-time leading scorer — 58 goals, overtaking Olivier Giroud. Norway thrashed Iraq 4-1: Erling Haaland scored twice on his World Cup debut, while Austria defeated Jordan 3-1 — the Austrians' first World Cup win in 36 years.
Portugal and England open their campaigns this afternoon
17 June — the tournament's seventh matchday — continues with games kicking off after 13:00 Kyiv time. Cristiano Ronaldo takes the field for his record sixth World Cup as Portugal face DR Congo in Houston (kick-off at 20:00 Kyiv time). England will meet Croatia in Arlington, Texas (kick-off at 23:00 Kyiv time). A detailed preview of the evening matches will be published in the preview section at 18:45.
