Messi's Masterclass Leads 2026 World Cup's Biggest Storylines

Lionel Messi has silenced doubters who thought his fairytale World Cup story ended four years ago. At 39, the Argentina legend has claimed the tournament's top scorer award and delivered consistently when it matters, keeping alive his greatest-of-all-time debate.

The superstars have all turned up. Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Ousmane Dembele and Vinicius Jnr have found the net regularly. Jude Bellingham has transformed England's midfield, whilst Cristiano Ronaldo, in what he's confirmed will be his final World Cup, added moments to quieten his critics (according to skysports.com).

But the expanded tournament's true gift has been opportunity for unfancied teams. Cape Verde—one of the smallest nations ever to qualify—held European champions Spain to a draw and gave world champions Argentina a genuine fright. South Africa reached the knockout stage for the first time ever. Switzerland qualified for their first quarter-final since 1954.

Group stage mismatches proved inevitable. Qatar, New Zealand and Saudi Arabia suffered heavy defeats, though upsets offset the predictability. DR Congo reached the knockouts for the first time, while Curacao and Qatar both secured respectable results.

Stoppage-time drama has dominated the narrative. The extended injury time, driven by hydration breaks and VAR checks, has produced ten stoppage-time winners—more than any previous World Cup. Iran's disallowed goal in the final seconds against Egypt proved particularly costly.

Legacy questions hang over FIFA's decision to expand. Whether Gianni Infantino's move was a genuine gift to the global game or a commercial grab remains debated, but the underdogs' breakthrough moments suggest the format has delivered genuine intrigue.