Lionel Messi — Argentine footballer appearing in his sixth World Cup, tied the all-time record of 16 World Cup goals with a hat-trick against Algeria in 2026.
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The Ghanaian Times
… Subsequent editions would feature other great players including Egypt’s Mohammed Salah, Sadio Mane of Senegal, Mohammed Kudus of Ghana; not leaving out fans of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, who lit the modern game with their skills and finesse. …
‘World Cup Soccer Fiesta’ airs todayEngland beat Croatia in a high-scoring match in Dallas, with Harry Kane scoring twice and Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford adding goals. The match was decided after England came from behind multiple times and ultimately secured a comfortable victory, though England showed defensive vulnerabilities throughout the match.
13 hours ago · Joy Online →
England beat Croatia in a high-scoring match in Dallas, with Harry Kane scoring twice and Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford adding goals. The match was decided after England came from behind multiple times and ultimately secured a comfortable victory, though England showed defensive vulnerabilities throughout the match.
13 hours ago · Joy Online →
Portugal took a sixth-minute lead through Joao Neves but DR Congo equalized in first-half stoppage time when Yoane Wissa headed home, claiming a draw despite Portugal's dominance of possession.
14 hours ago · Joy Online →
Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick to move level with Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup finals goals, the all-time record, as Argentina defeated Algeria in their opening World Cup match. The 38-year-old also became the first player to appear in six World Cups.
17 June 2026 · Joy Online →
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Luka Modric, and Neymar are stepping onto that stage for what is understood to be the very last time in their careers.
14 June 2026 · Joy Online →
Sotheby's will auction the jersey worn by Pele during Brazil's 1958 World Cup victory, estimated to sell for over $6 million. The auction runs from 29 June to 16 July alongside this year's World Cup tournament.
4 June 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →
Argentina star Lionel Messi was substituted in the 73rd minute of Inter Miami's game on Sunday after clutching his left leg, though coach Guillermo Hoyos said the move was precautionary due to wet pitch conditions and fatigue rather than a confirmed injury. Messi, who has not formally confirmed his participation, is widely expected to play in his record-equalling sixth World Cup appearance, with Argentina's squad due to be named next week.
25 May 2026 · Joy Online →
US hotel owners in World Cup host cities are reporting lower bookings than the same period last year, with one Houston hotelier attributing sluggish demand to the political climate under President Trump's administration, including ICE immigration raids.
15 May 2026 · Joy Online →
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti says Neymar has "improved a lot" in recent weeks and remains hopeful of playing in his fourth World Cup after being included in the preliminary squad, though Ancelotti has not yet confirmed his selection for the 26-man roster due May 18.
14 May 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →
Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa joined Mexico's final training camp ahead of the World Cup (June–July), expected to become only the sixth player to appear at six World Cups. Ochoa, who has earned more than 150 caps, suggested the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico could mark the end of his career.
13 May 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →
Lionel Messi remains the highest-paid player in Major League Soccer with an annual base salary of $25m following a contract extension with Inter Miami signed in October, more than double that of the league's next-highest earner.
12 May 2026 · Joy Online →
MOFA Productions' 'World Cup Soccer Fiesta', a 15-part sports documentary series featuring archival footage from World Cup tournaments from 1930 to 2026, airs today on GTV Sports+ with subsequent episodes on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 8:30pm. The show will cover legendary players and include fact segments, team updates, and a compilation of top 200 World Cup goals.
29 April 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →