The World Cup has always been a stage where legends are born, dreams are realised and history is rewritten. But Tuesday offered something even rarer -- a spectacular celebration of football's past, present and future as Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland all delivered unforgettable performances on the same day.

He completed his hat-trick in the 76th minute, sending the massed ranks of Argentine fans in Kansas City wild.

Sports can be very cruel. Often, it is the final image that leaves the deepest imprint on fans’ minds.

Remember Szymon Marciniak? The bald-headed Polish referee who officiated the thrilling FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and France three and a half years ago at the Lusail Stadium.

The Argentine coach has reportedly experimented with both a 4-4-2 and a 3-5-2 formation during training, keeping opponents guessing ahead of Group J's opening match.

Defending champions Argentina are set to launch their World Cup title defense mission when they take on Algeria in their opening Group J match at the Kansas City Stadium in Missouri on Wednesday morning. The match is scheduled to start at 7:00 am (Bangladesh time).

Uncover how Lionel Scaloni transformed a fractured Argentina squad into global champions. Defying critics like Diego Maradona, the tactical manager built trust around Lionel Messi, securing historic victories like the 2022 World Cup and Copa America trophies.

Lionel Messi's Argentina and Kylian Mbappe's France, the two teams who contested a thrilling World Cup final four years ago, roar into the 2026 tournament on Tuesday.

With Messi still leading the way, Argentina continue to believe that anything is possible.

Messi is set to take part in a record sixth World Cup, four years after leading his country to glory in Qatar.

Lionel Scaloni's side will open their Group J campaign against Algeria in Kansas City on June 17 at 7:00am Bangladesh time. Austria and Jordan complete the group.

"They've been very unfair to him," the Paris Saint-Germain winger said. "They go a bit overboard with the criticism of Kylian because he's an incredible player. A great person off the field. I've known him for a long time."

Lionel Messi stepped onto the stage. The Golden Ball was placed in his hands -- the award for the tournament’s best player. He had received it before, in 2014. But this was different.

Messi started on the bench as the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is eased back to fitness after exiting Inter Miami's 6-4 win over Philadelphia with muscle fatigue on May 24.

The World Cup 2022 story of Argentina and Bangladesh exemplified the spirit of football. Covering it as a writer and presenting it in front of people was a privilege.

The 2026 World Cup will showcase more than star power. It will stand as a testament to resilience, adaptation, and careers built to last--proof that in modern football, greatness can endure longer than ever before.

Lionel Messi has taken a step forward in his injury recovery and could play a few minutes in Argentina's upcoming friendlies before their World Cup opener, coach Lionel Scaloni said Friday.

A trophy was in his hands. Golden, heavy, gleaming. But his eyes were not on that trophy; they were on the thing that, in just a few moments, would be handed to Germany. The World Cup. So close. Close enough to touch, yet untouchable.

The moment a FIFA World Cup approaches, something changes in Bangladesh.

Lionel Messi's showstopping talent brought a premature end to the career of his childhood football coach, who decided to bow out after training "the best player in the world."