Deadspin | Seth Lugo, Royals intent on continuing mastery of White Sox Apr 4, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Seth Lugo (67) on the mound during the second inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images No matter the season or personnel, the Kansas City Royals have dominated the Chicago White Sox at home in recent years. Looking to avoid a third consecutive defeat, the Royals will aim for a 15th straight home victory over the White Sox in the opener of a four-game set Thursday night. Since Aug. 10, 2022, Kansas City is 22-2 vs. the White Sox at Kauffman Stadium and has not lost to its American League Central rival there since Sept. 6, 2023. Perhaps more impressive, the Royals have outscored Chicago 71-17 during their 14-game home winning streak in the series. However, these Royals have scuffled out of the gate, losing seven of the first 12 games in 2026. After winning 4-2 at Cleveland on Monday, Kansas City managed three runs, six hits, went 0-for-14 with runners in scoring position and struck out 28 times in losing the final two contests of that three-game set. “It’s just getting a good plan at the plate,” star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. told the Royals’ official website. “Apply pressure to other teams. Got to get back to doing that. … Just time to get back to playing our baseball.” Witt went 4-for-22 as the Royals split a six-game homestand against Minnesota and Milwaukee earlier this month. However, he’s batting .476 with four home runs and 18 RBIs during a 21-game hitting streak against the White Sox. Thursday’s scheduled Kansas City starter, Seth Lugo (1-0, 1.59 ERA), has yielded just five earned runs over 34 1/3 innings in going 3-0 in five career starts vs. Chicago. The veteran right-hander is off to a solid start in 2026. He allowed his first two runs of the season on Saturday during an 8-2 win over the Brewers, an outing that spanned five innings, 103 pitches and included seven strikeouts. “Fouled off a lot of pitches, drove my pitch count up,” Lugo said. “But got through five. That’s OK. Obviously, I want to pitch deeper.” He might be able to go deeper against a White Sox group that totaled six runs while being swept in a three-game home set by Baltimore this week. Chicago managed just 17 hits in the series but lost those three games by a total margin of five runs. “With all our guys, we’re fighting every day to figure out how to support them to be at their best,” White Sox manager Will Venable said. Second baseman Chase Meidroth was one of the few Chicago hitters off to a solid start, batting .270 before going 0-for-4 in Wednesday’s 5-3 loss to the Orioles. Meidroth is hitless in seven career at-bats vs. Lugo. Teammate and ex-Royal Andrew Benintendi is batting just .194 with 14 strikeouts in 11 games this season, but he’s 3-for-10 all time against Lugo. Chicago is slated to start Anthony Kay (0-0, 4.00 ERA), who has allowed only a two-run homer in each of his first two outings of 2026. The left-hander, who broke into the majors in 2019 with Toronto, has just four career wins, with his most recent coming in 2021. Kay’s only career appearance against the Royals came with the Blue Jays in 2021, when he yielded five runs and six hits over 3 1/3 innings. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Seth #Lugo #Royals #intent #continuing #mastery #White #Sox

Deadspin | Seth Lugo, Royals intent on continuing mastery of White Sox
Deadspin | Seth Lugo, Royals intent on continuing mastery of White Sox Apr 4, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Seth Lugo (67) on the mound during the second inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images No matter the season or personnel, the Kansas City Royals have dominated the Chicago White Sox at home in recent years. Looking to avoid a third consecutive defeat, the Royals will aim for a 15th straight home victory over the White Sox in the opener of a four-game set Thursday night. Since Aug. 10, 2022, Kansas City is 22-2 vs. the White Sox at Kauffman Stadium and has not lost to its American League Central rival there since Sept. 6, 2023. Perhaps more impressive, the Royals have outscored Chicago 71-17 during their 14-game home winning streak in the series. However, these Royals have scuffled out of the gate, losing seven of the first 12 games in 2026. After winning 4-2 at Cleveland on Monday, Kansas City managed three runs, six hits, went 0-for-14 with runners in scoring position and struck out 28 times in losing the final two contests of that three-game set. “It’s just getting a good plan at the plate,” star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. told the Royals’ official website. “Apply pressure to other teams. Got to get back to doing that. … Just time to get back to playing our baseball.” Witt went 4-for-22 as the Royals split a six-game homestand against Minnesota and Milwaukee earlier this month. However, he’s batting .476 with four home runs and 18 RBIs during a 21-game hitting streak against the White Sox. Thursday’s scheduled Kansas City starter, Seth Lugo (1-0, 1.59 ERA), has yielded just five earned runs over 34 1/3 innings in going 3-0 in five career starts vs. Chicago. The veteran right-hander is off to a solid start in 2026. He allowed his first two runs of the season on Saturday during an 8-2 win over the Brewers, an outing that spanned five innings, 103 pitches and included seven strikeouts. “Fouled off a lot of pitches, drove my pitch count up,” Lugo said. “But got through five. That’s OK. Obviously, I want to pitch deeper.” He might be able to go deeper against a White Sox group that totaled six runs while being swept in a three-game home set by Baltimore this week. Chicago managed just 17 hits in the series but lost those three games by a total margin of five runs. “With all our guys, we’re fighting every day to figure out how to support them to be at their best,” White Sox manager Will Venable said. Second baseman Chase Meidroth was one of the few Chicago hitters off to a solid start, batting .270 before going 0-for-4 in Wednesday’s 5-3 loss to the Orioles. Meidroth is hitless in seven career at-bats vs. Lugo. Teammate and ex-Royal Andrew Benintendi is batting just .194 with 14 strikeouts in 11 games this season, but he’s 3-for-10 all time against Lugo. Chicago is slated to start Anthony Kay (0-0, 4.00 ERA), who has allowed only a two-run homer in each of his first two outings of 2026. The left-hander, who broke into the majors in 2019 with Toronto, has just four career wins, with his most recent coming in 2021. Kay’s only career appearance against the Royals came with the Blue Jays in 2021, when he yielded five runs and six hits over 3 1/3 innings. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Seth #Lugo #Royals #intent #continuing #mastery #White #SoxApr 4, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Seth Lugo (67) on the mound during the second inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images

No matter the season or personnel, the Kansas City Royals have dominated the Chicago White Sox at home in recent years.

Looking to avoid a third consecutive defeat, the Royals will aim for a 15th straight home victory over the White Sox in the opener of a four-game set Thursday night.

Since Aug. 10, 2022, Kansas City is 22-2 vs. the White Sox at Kauffman Stadium and has not lost to its American League Central rival there since Sept. 6, 2023. Perhaps more impressive, the Royals have outscored Chicago 71-17 during their 14-game home winning streak in the series.

However, these Royals have scuffled out of the gate, losing seven of the first 12 games in 2026. After winning 4-2 at Cleveland on Monday, Kansas City managed three runs, six hits, went 0-for-14 with runners in scoring position and struck out 28 times in losing the final two contests of that three-game set.

“It’s just getting a good plan at the plate,” star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. told the Royals’ official website. “Apply pressure to other teams. Got to get back to doing that. … Just time to get back to playing our baseball.”

Witt went 4-for-22 as the Royals split a six-game homestand against Minnesota and Milwaukee earlier this month. However, he’s batting .476 with four home runs and 18 RBIs during a 21-game hitting streak against the White Sox.

Thursday’s scheduled Kansas City starter, Seth Lugo (1-0, 1.59 ERA), has yielded just five earned runs over 34 1/3 innings in going 3-0 in five career starts vs. Chicago.


The veteran right-hander is off to a solid start in 2026. He allowed his first two runs of the season on Saturday during an 8-2 win over the Brewers, an outing that spanned five innings, 103 pitches and included seven strikeouts.

“Fouled off a lot of pitches, drove my pitch count up,” Lugo said. “But got through five. That’s OK. Obviously, I want to pitch deeper.”

He might be able to go deeper against a White Sox group that totaled six runs while being swept in a three-game home set by Baltimore this week. Chicago managed just 17 hits in the series but lost those three games by a total margin of five runs.

“With all our guys, we’re fighting every day to figure out how to support them to be at their best,” White Sox manager Will Venable said.

Second baseman Chase Meidroth was one of the few Chicago hitters off to a solid start, batting .270 before going 0-for-4 in Wednesday’s 5-3 loss to the Orioles. Meidroth is hitless in seven career at-bats vs. Lugo.

Teammate and ex-Royal Andrew Benintendi is batting just .194 with 14 strikeouts in 11 games this season, but he’s 3-for-10 all time against Lugo.

Chicago is slated to start Anthony Kay (0-0, 4.00 ERA), who has allowed only a two-run homer in each of his first two outings of 2026. The left-hander, who broke into the majors in 2019 with Toronto, has just four career wins, with his most recent coming in 2021.

Kay’s only career appearance against the Royals came with the Blue Jays in 2021, when he yielded five runs and six hits over 3 1/3 innings.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Seth #Lugo #Royals #intent #continuing #mastery #White #Sox

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Apr 4, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Seth Lugo (67) on the mound during the second inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images

No matter the season or personnel, the Kansas City Royals have dominated the Chicago White Sox at home in recent years.

Looking to avoid a third consecutive defeat, the Royals will aim for a 15th straight home victory over the White Sox in the opener of a four-game set Thursday night.

Since Aug. 10, 2022, Kansas City is 22-2 vs. the White Sox at Kauffman Stadium and has not lost to its American League Central rival there since Sept. 6, 2023. Perhaps more impressive, the Royals have outscored Chicago 71-17 during their 14-game home winning streak in the series.

However, these Royals have scuffled out of the gate, losing seven of the first 12 games in 2026. After winning 4-2 at Cleveland on Monday, Kansas City managed three runs, six hits, went 0-for-14 with runners in scoring position and struck out 28 times in losing the final two contests of that three-game set.

“It’s just getting a good plan at the plate,” star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. told the Royals’ official website. “Apply pressure to other teams. Got to get back to doing that. … Just time to get back to playing our baseball.”

Witt went 4-for-22 as the Royals split a six-game homestand against Minnesota and Milwaukee earlier this month. However, he’s batting .476 with four home runs and 18 RBIs during a 21-game hitting streak against the White Sox.

Thursday’s scheduled Kansas City starter, Seth Lugo (1-0, 1.59 ERA), has yielded just five earned runs over 34 1/3 innings in going 3-0 in five career starts vs. Chicago.

The veteran right-hander is off to a solid start in 2026. He allowed his first two runs of the season on Saturday during an 8-2 win over the Brewers, an outing that spanned five innings, 103 pitches and included seven strikeouts.

“Fouled off a lot of pitches, drove my pitch count up,” Lugo said. “But got through five. That’s OK. Obviously, I want to pitch deeper.”

He might be able to go deeper against a White Sox group that totaled six runs while being swept in a three-game home set by Baltimore this week. Chicago managed just 17 hits in the series but lost those three games by a total margin of five runs.

“With all our guys, we’re fighting every day to figure out how to support them to be at their best,” White Sox manager Will Venable said.

Second baseman Chase Meidroth was one of the few Chicago hitters off to a solid start, batting .270 before going 0-for-4 in Wednesday’s 5-3 loss to the Orioles. Meidroth is hitless in seven career at-bats vs. Lugo.

Teammate and ex-Royal Andrew Benintendi is batting just .194 with 14 strikeouts in 11 games this season, but he’s 3-for-10 all time against Lugo.

Chicago is slated to start Anthony Kay (0-0, 4.00 ERA), who has allowed only a two-run homer in each of his first two outings of 2026. The left-hander, who broke into the majors in 2019 with Toronto, has just four career wins, with his most recent coming in 2021.

Kay’s only career appearance against the Royals came with the Blue Jays in 2021, when he yielded five runs and six hits over 3 1/3 innings.

–Field Level Media

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RR vs RCB, IPL 2026: Unbeaten sides meet in battle Royal(e) <div id="content-body-70843468" itemprop="articleBody"><p>It should be a battle royale.</p><p>Neither Rajasthan Royals nor Royal Challengers Bengaluru has tasted defeated yet this season. One of them will on Friday, when the two in-form sides of the IPL come face to face at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium. RR has played three, won three. RCB has played two, won two.</p><p>The Royals did not begin its campaign in the most ideal circumstances. It had finished second from bottom last year, lost its captain and leading batter of over a decade, Sanju Samson, in a trade-off with Chennai Super Kings, and one of his replacements, Sam Curran, was ruled out with injury.</p><p>But now, just about everything looks perfect for Riyan Parag’s men. Both Orange and Purple Caps could well still be with them going into the match.</p><p>In Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi, it boasts the most explosive opening duo of the season. While Suryavanshi just aims to send every bowler on view – including the great Jasprit Bumrah – into the stands, Jaiswal paces his innings at will, according to what the team needs. Then there is the classy Dhruv Jurel to take over.</p><p><b>ALSO READ: <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/ipl/vaibhav-suryavanshi-not-reckless-batting-shane-bond-rajasthan-royals-ipl-2026/article70843775.ece" target="_self">‘It hasn’t just been reckless hitting’ – Rajasthan Royals’ Shane Bond on Vaibhav Suryavanshi</a></b></p><p>In Jofra Archer and Nandre Burger, it has probably the deadliest new-ball attack, too. Ravi Bishnoi has earned his purple cap.</p><p>But the leg-spinner and his bowling colleagues will be up against RCB’s quality batting line-up. Virat Kohli —who mastered yet another chase in the IPL opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad — Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal and Rajat Patidar have all looked good.</p><p>Jacob Duffy has spearheaded the bowling with aplomb in the absence of Josh Hazlewood and has been well backed by the likes of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Suyash Sharma.</p><p>There is plenty to look forward to for the city’s fans in the last match they will get to see at this venue.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 09, 2026</p></div> #RCB #IPL #Unbeaten #sides #meet #battle #Royale

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FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026, Round 10: Sindarov punishes Praggnanandhaa’s slip to stay clear at the top; Vaishali draws with Muzychuk <div id="content-body-70844357" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Grandmaster Javokhir Sindarov returned to winning ways, completing a double over R. Praggnanandhaa to extend his sole lead in the Open section of the ongoing FIDE Candidates 2026 in Cyprus on Thursday.</p><p>Anish Giri’s draw against Hikaru Nakamura helped Sindarov open up a two-point gap heading into the rest day on Friday.</p><p>Praggnanandhaa started well, but a decisive error on move 22, when he played Bd7, proved costly. Instead of consolidating, the move allowed Sindarov to intensify pressure on the king and along the f-file.</p><p>Sindarov capitalised immediately with 23. Rf7, a knockout blow that forced matters. He followed it up with a temporary exchange sacrifice to drag the Black king into the open.</p><p>With 25. Qf4+ Kg7 and 28. Qxd7, Sindarov seized complete control, maintaining the initiative with a series of checks. He later activated his rooks, leaving Praggnanandhaa neutralised and without counterplay.</p><p><b>ALSO READ: <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/chess/fide-candidates-2026-live-updates-round-10-boards-praggnandhaa-divya-vaishali-live/article70842491.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Check out updates from Round 10 of the ongoing FIDE Candidates 2026</a></b></p><p>Sindarov maintained his grip on the position as Praggnanandhaa resigned in a lost position.</p><p>In the women’s section, R. Vaishali absorbed Anna Muzychuk’s kingside push with timely exchanges and central breaks, simplifying into a balanced endgame to secure a draw.</p><p>In the middlegame, Vaishali centralised her bishop and opened the kingside on her terms rather than defending passively.</p><p>Between 37. f5+ Kf7 and 38. Kf4 d5, she neutralised White’s pawn breaks while keeping her king safe.</p><p>Towards the end, the position was fully equalised, and any attempt to push would have risked overextension, as the game ended in a draw.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 09, 2026</p></div> #FIDE #Candidates #Tournament #Sindarov #punishes #Praggnanandhaas #slip #stay #clear #top #Vaishali #draws #Muzychuk

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Deadspin | Mariners star Cal Raleigh (oblique) activated from IL May 11, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) puts on his mask after a play during the second inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images American League MVP runner-up Cal Raleigh returns from an absence of just more than a month due to a right oblique strain when the Seattle Mariners host the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday night. Raleigh last played on May 13 and has struggled this season, hitting just .161 with seven homers and 18 RBIs in 41 games. He was activated from the 10-day injured list on Tuesday afternoon to end his first career stint on the IL. Last season, Raleigh put together one of the best seasons by a catcher in major league history when he finished behind only Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees in AL MVP balloting. He hit a franchise-best 60 homers, the most in a history by a catcher and by a switch-hitter. Raleigh, 29, also had 125 RBIs and won the Silver Slugger Award. He started the All-Star Game and became the first catcher to win the Home Run Derby. Raleigh is his sixth big-league season. He first reached the majors with the Mariners in 2021. Seattle also activated shortstop J.P. Crawford (right hand contusion) and optioned catcher Jhonny Pereda to Triple-A Tacoma. Crawford, 31, was injured when Detroit Tigers left-hander Framber Valdez hit the hand with a pitch on June 5. He is batting .228 with 10 homers and 23 RBIs in 55 games this season. Crawford is in his eighth season with the Mariners and 10th overall in the majors. Pereda, 30, was batting .270 with two homers and four RBIs in 19 games with Seattle this season. He’s best known for striking out Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers in May of 2025 when serving as a mop-up pitcher in a blowout loss while playing for the Athletics. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Mariners #star #Cal #Raleigh #oblique #activatedMay 11, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) puts on his mask after a play during the second inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

American League MVP runner-up Cal Raleigh returns from an absence of just more than a month due to a right oblique strain when the Seattle Mariners host the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday night.

Raleigh last played on May 13 and has struggled this season, hitting just .161 with seven homers and 18 RBIs in 41 games. He was activated from the 10-day injured list on Tuesday afternoon to end his first career stint on the IL.

Last season, Raleigh put together one of the best seasons by a catcher in major league history when he finished behind only Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees in AL MVP balloting. He hit a franchise-best 60 homers, the most in a history by a catcher and by a switch-hitter.

Raleigh, 29, also had 125 RBIs and won the Silver Slugger Award. He started the All-Star Game and became the first catcher to win the Home Run Derby.


Raleigh is his sixth big-league season. He first reached the majors with the Mariners in 2021.

Seattle also activated shortstop J.P. Crawford (right hand contusion) and optioned catcher Jhonny Pereda to Triple-A Tacoma.

Crawford, 31, was injured when Detroit Tigers left-hander Framber Valdez hit the hand with a pitch on June 5.

He is batting .228 with 10 homers and 23 RBIs in 55 games this season. Crawford is in his eighth season with the Mariners and 10th overall in the majors.

Pereda, 30, was batting .270 with two homers and four RBIs in 19 games with Seattle this season. He’s best known for striking out Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers in May of 2025 when serving as a mop-up pitcher in a blowout loss while playing for the Athletics.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Mariners #star #Cal #Raleigh #oblique #activated">Deadspin | Mariners star Cal Raleigh (oblique) activated from IL May 11, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) puts on his mask after a play during the second inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images American League MVP runner-up Cal Raleigh returns from an absence of just more than a month due to a right oblique strain when the Seattle Mariners host the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday night. Raleigh last played on May 13 and has struggled this season, hitting just .161 with seven homers and 18 RBIs in 41 games. He was activated from the 10-day injured list on Tuesday afternoon to end his first career stint on the IL. Last season, Raleigh put together one of the best seasons by a catcher in major league history when he finished behind only Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees in AL MVP balloting. He hit a franchise-best 60 homers, the most in a history by a catcher and by a switch-hitter. Raleigh, 29, also had 125 RBIs and won the Silver Slugger Award. He started the All-Star Game and became the first catcher to win the Home Run Derby. Raleigh is his sixth big-league season. He first reached the majors with the Mariners in 2021. Seattle also activated shortstop J.P. Crawford (right hand contusion) and optioned catcher Jhonny Pereda to Triple-A Tacoma. Crawford, 31, was injured when Detroit Tigers left-hander Framber Valdez hit the hand with a pitch on June 5. He is batting .228 with 10 homers and 23 RBIs in 55 games this season. Crawford is in his eighth season with the Mariners and 10th overall in the majors. Pereda, 30, was batting .270 with two homers and four RBIs in 19 games with Seattle this season. He’s best known for striking out Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers in May of 2025 when serving as a mop-up pitcher in a blowout loss while playing for the Athletics. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Mariners #star #Cal #Raleigh #oblique #activated

The living legend scored a hat trick against Algeria as Argentina began its defense of the 2022 World Cup win, and with his third goal, he pulled level with Miroslav Klose atop the list of all-time goal scorers in World Cup history with 16.

Messi looked to open his 2026 World Cup account in the early minutes against Algeria, but the goal was waved off by the officials for offside.

Messi launched a left-footed rocket from outside the box, putting Argentina on the board in the 17th minute.

Here is another look at the first goal:

Then in the 60th minute, Messi was the man on the spot, as he slotted home this rebound:

Algeria keeper Luca Zidane — yes, the son of French legend Zinedine Zidane — stopped an initial attempt from Alexis Mac Allister, but Messi slotted home the loose ball to stake Argentina to a 2-0 lead, and score his second goal of the game.

Here is another look at Messi’s second goal against Algeria:

Messi had a chance at the hat trick a few minutes later, but Zidane managed to turn this shot aside:

But Zidane would not stop this attempt, as the legend secured his hat trick:

The third goal came off the left foot of Messi, as he gathered in a pass from Nico González, settled the ball at his feet, and then launched a rocket by Zidane for his third of the night, and the 16th World Cup of his incredible career.

Argentina secured a 3-0 win, thanks to Messi’s hat trick, and both player and team are off to a roaring start at the 2026 World Cup.

#Lionel #Messis #hat #trick #Algeria #ties #Miroslav #Klose #alltime #World #Cup #goals">Lionel Messi’s hat trick against Algeria ties Miroslav Klose for all-time World Cup goals Lionel Messi’s first match at the 2026 World Cup was one for the record books.The living legend scored a hat trick against Algeria as Argentina began its defense of the 2022 World Cup win, and with his third goal, he pulled level with Miroslav Klose atop the list of all-time goal scorers in World Cup history with 16.Messi looked to open his 2026 World Cup account in the early minutes against Algeria, but the goal was waved off by the officials for offside.Messi launched a left-footed rocket from outside the box, putting Argentina on the board in the 17th minute.Here is another look at the first goal:Then in the 60th minute, Messi was the man on the spot, as he slotted home this rebound:Algeria keeper Luca Zidane — yes, the son of French legend Zinedine Zidane — stopped an initial attempt from Alexis Mac Allister, but Messi slotted home the loose ball to stake Argentina to a 2-0 lead, and score his second goal of the game.Here is another look at Messi’s second goal against Algeria:Messi had a chance at the hat trick a few minutes later, but Zidane managed to turn this shot aside:But Zidane would not stop this attempt, as the legend secured his hat trick:The third goal came off the left foot of Messi, as he gathered in a pass from Nico González, settled the ball at his feet, and then launched a rocket by Zidane for his third of the night, and the 16th World Cup of his incredible career.Argentina secured a 3-0 win, thanks to Messi’s hat trick, and both player and team are off to a roaring start at the 2026 World Cup. #Lionel #Messis #hat #trick #Algeria #ties #Miroslav #Klose #alltime #World #Cup #goals

2026 World Cup was one for the record books.

The living legend scored a hat trick against Algeria as Argentina began its defense of the 2022 World Cup win, and with his third goal, he pulled level with Miroslav Klose atop the list of all-time goal scorers in World Cup history with 16.

Messi looked to open his 2026 World Cup account in the early minutes against Algeria, but the goal was waved off by the officials for offside.

Messi launched a left-footed rocket from outside the box, putting Argentina on the board in the 17th minute.

Here is another look at the first goal:

Then in the 60th minute, Messi was the man on the spot, as he slotted home this rebound:

Algeria keeper Luca Zidane — yes, the son of French legend Zinedine Zidane — stopped an initial attempt from Alexis Mac Allister, but Messi slotted home the loose ball to stake Argentina to a 2-0 lead, and score his second goal of the game.

Here is another look at Messi’s second goal against Algeria:

Messi had a chance at the hat trick a few minutes later, but Zidane managed to turn this shot aside:

But Zidane would not stop this attempt, as the legend secured his hat trick:

The third goal came off the left foot of Messi, as he gathered in a pass from Nico González, settled the ball at his feet, and then launched a rocket by Zidane for his third of the night, and the 16th World Cup of his incredible career.

Argentina secured a 3-0 win, thanks to Messi’s hat trick, and both player and team are off to a roaring start at the 2026 World Cup.

#Lionel #Messis #hat #trick #Algeria #ties #Miroslav #Klose #alltime #World #Cup #goals">Lionel Messi’s hat trick against Algeria ties Miroslav Klose for all-time World Cup goals

Lionel Messi’s first match at the 2026 World Cup was one for the record books.

The living legend scored a hat trick against Algeria as Argentina began its defense of the 2022 World Cup win, and with his third goal, he pulled level with Miroslav Klose atop the list of all-time goal scorers in World Cup history with 16.

Messi looked to open his 2026 World Cup account in the early minutes against Algeria, but the goal was waved off by the officials for offside.

Messi launched a left-footed rocket from outside the box, putting Argentina on the board in the 17th minute.

Here is another look at the first goal:

Then in the 60th minute, Messi was the man on the spot, as he slotted home this rebound:

Algeria keeper Luca Zidane — yes, the son of French legend Zinedine Zidane — stopped an initial attempt from Alexis Mac Allister, but Messi slotted home the loose ball to stake Argentina to a 2-0 lead, and score his second goal of the game.

Here is another look at Messi’s second goal against Algeria:

Messi had a chance at the hat trick a few minutes later, but Zidane managed to turn this shot aside:

But Zidane would not stop this attempt, as the legend secured his hat trick:

The third goal came off the left foot of Messi, as he gathered in a pass from Nico González, settled the ball at his feet, and then launched a rocket by Zidane for his third of the night, and the 16th World Cup of his incredible career.

Argentina secured a 3-0 win, thanks to Messi’s hat trick, and both player and team are off to a roaring start at the 2026 World Cup.

#Lionel #Messis #hat #trick #Algeria #ties #Miroslav #Klose #alltime #World #Cup #goals

Lionel Messi is making his 200th international appearance during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match against Algeria. | Photo Credit: AP

Welcome to Sportstar’s live coverage of the Argentina vs Algeria FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match being played at Kansas City Stadium.

Only twice has a country defended its World Cup title: Italy in 1938 and Brazil in 1962, and Argentina will be looking to become the third under the guidance of manager Lionel Scaloni.

#Argentina #Algeria #LIVE #score #FIFA #World #Cup #ARG #ALG #Messi #history #player #feature #editions">Argentina vs Algeria LIVE score, FIFA World Cup 2026: ARG 0-0 ALG; Messi makes history as first player to feature in six editions Lionel Messi is making his 200th international appearance during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match against Algeria. | Photo Credit: AP Lionel Messi is making his 200th international appearance during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match against Algeria. | Photo Credit: AP Welcome to Sportstar’s live coverage of the Argentina vs Algeria FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match being played at Kansas City Stadium.Only twice has a country defended its World Cup title: Italy in 1938 and Brazil in 1962, and Argentina will be looking to become the third under the guidance of manager Lionel Scaloni. #Argentina #Algeria #LIVE #score #FIFA #World #Cup #ARG #ALG #Messi #history #player #feature #editions

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