Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland continue 2026 World Cup with Monday goal spree

Mbappe, who is challenging Messi for the all-time goals record with 16 following Monday, scored twice against Iraq in a 3-0 win, giving him four at the tourney.

In the nightcap, Haaland chipped in two second-half goals 10 minutes apart during a 3-1 win over Senegal, also setting him at four overall to keep pace with the fellow greats.

It's been a remarkable treat seeing the trio play at such an elite level on the global stage, helping turn a premier event into an instant classic. 

Messi, who turns 39 on Wednesday, is an ageless wonder who adds to his "Greatest of All-Time" status each time he takes the pitch. Mbappe's 167 club-level goals since 2020 are the second-most in the Big 5 European leagues, per Stathead, while Haaland (161 goals) isn't too far behind in third, and all are adding magnificent chapters to their legacies.

All three will have a chance to build on their fantastic tournaments with Argentina, France and Norway headed for the knockout rounds. Before then, however, Mbappe and Haaland meet on Friday in a match that will decide Group I. As incredible as the stars have been, chances are we'll see much more brilliance in the weeks to come as the field narrows.

Messi, Mbappe and Haaland have taken over the tournament, which is hardly a surprise considering their stature. But it doesn't make it any less of a thrill to behold. Sports are often at their best when stars play like stars, and the three international icons are living up to the moment, turning an already captivating tournament into somehow an even larger spectacle. 

With little sign of slowing down, the rest of the journey is likely to be just as compelling, if not more.