After the upsets and the feel-good stories, the World Cup shifted into a new gear on Tuesday. It could have been billed as Superstar Day. Three of the biggest names in global football were looking to make an impact as their countries began their campaigns. In the event, they did not disappoint. Lionel Messi made the biggest splash, scoring a sensational hat-trick as Argentina cruised to a 3-0 win against Algeria. Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland were outgunned but not by much: they both scored twice as France and Norway recorded commanding victories in Group I. It was, all told, a brilliant...

Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland produced one of the most memorable days in FIFA World Cup history on Tuesday.

Champions Argentina and runners-up France finally join the fray, along with dark horse Norway and Austria, but potential for upsets is high.