Messi’s hat trick, Mbappé’s VAR storm, Group H gridlock — June 17, 2026

2026 FIFA World Cup saw Lionel Messi open Argentina’s title defense with a first World Cup hat trick, while France’s 3-1 win over Senegal added a major VAR flashpoint and Group H stayed jammed after Uruguay-Saudi Arabia’s draw. In this episode: Top stories: 1. Argentina 3-0 Algeria: Magical Messi matches Klose's record with maiden World Cup hat-trick | beIN SPORTS — Lionel Messi's marvellous hat-trick, his first at a World Cup, propelled reigning champions Argentina to an emphatic victory over Algeria. https://www.beinsports.com/en-us/soccer/fifa-world-cup-2026/articles/argentina-3-0-algeria-magical-messi-matches-kloses-record-with-maiden-world-cup-hat-trick-2026-06-17?q=Google+indexed+ranking%28TG%3Ae10838%29.zqs 2. Saudi Arabia draw 1–1 against Uruguay in World Cup opening game | World Cup 2026 News | Al Jazeera — Al Jazeera https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2026/6/16/saudi-arabia-draw-1-1-against-uruguay-in-world-cup-opening 3. World Cup VAR review: Should France have gotten penalty vs. Senegal? - ESPN — ESPN https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/49027532/world-cup-2026-var-review-red-card-penalty-handball-goal-line-technology Follow and rate World Cup Morning on Apple Podcasts. Feedback? Email [email protected]