World Cup sees visa controversy and Messi milestones

Ahead of the World Cup, a number of players and team officials were denied entry visas, most notably U.S. forward Ethan Balogun. The administrative bans sparked a political debate over immigration and sport, and FIFA subsequently cancelled Balogun's suspension, allowing him to feature in the United States line‑up against Belgium.

On the pitch, Argentina progressed after a dramatic 3‑2 win over Egypt, with Lionel Messi scoring and becoming the first player to record at least seven goals in two separate World Cups, matching Guillermo Stábile's long‑standing Argentine record. His performance, alongside key contributions from Enzo Fernández and others, propelled the Albiceleste into the quarter‑finals.