Messi hat-trick equals Klose's World Cup record as England prepare for Croatia opener

Lionel Messi equalled Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup goalscoring record of 16 goals on Wednesday, firing a hat-trick as Argentina beat Algeria 3-0 to open their 2026 campaign. The 38-year-old’s performance set an immediate benchmark for the tournament and raised the stakes for Harry Kane, who begins his own Golden Boot bid when England face Croatia at AT&T Stadium in Dallas at 9pm BST.

England head into their opener carrying a significant injury setback. Defender Tino Livramento has been ruled out of the entire tournament with a calf problem, forcing Thomas Tuchel to call up Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah as a surprise replacement. Notably, Trent Alexander-Arnold was passed over for the emergency call.

Tuchel’s side carry the weight of a 60-year wait for major international glory into the match against Croatia, a side that has repeatedly proved a difficult opponent for England on the biggest stages. Kane, the country’s all-time leading scorer, will be central to their hopes of making an early statement in the group.

Elsewhere, Ghana suffered a further blow ahead of their opener against Panama after their appeal over the denial of Thomas Partey’s entry into Canada was rejected. The midfielder will miss the match entirely following the failed challenge to the original decision.