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USA winger Christian Pulisic produced his third FIFA World Cup assist since the 2022 edition in Qatar, the same as Argentina captain Lionel Messi and England striker Harry Kane.
Commencing their campaign at the 2026 World Cup on Friday (June 12), co-hosts USA went ahead in the sixth minute in Los Angeles when Paraguayan midfielder Damian Bobadilla turned the ball into his own net.
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At the half-hour mark, Mauricio Pochettino’s side doubled their advantage, with Pulisic playing on Folarin Balogun. That marked the 27-year-old AC Milan man’s third World Cup assist since Qatar 2022, going level with Messi and Kane.
The Athletic posted a picture on Instagram of Pulisic – nicknamed Captain America – with a caption:
“Captain America is here. Since the start of the 2022 edition, Christian Pulisic has as many World Cup assists as Lionel Messi and Harry Kane (3). No one has more.”
Going back to the game, USNMT went three goals to the good before half-time, with Malik Tillma assisting Balogun’s second of the game in the fourth minute of first-half stoppage time.
Paraguay pulled one back through Mauricio in the 73rd minute, but Team USA restored their three-goal lead late on through Giovanni Reyna in the eighth minute of stoppage time.
It marked the first time in 12 years that USNMT opened a FIFA World Cup campaign with a win, having beating Ghana 2-1 at Brazil 2014, and fourth overall in 12 FIFA World Cup appearances.
When does Lionel Messi commence his 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign?
Lionel Messi’s Argentina kickstart their title defence at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday (June 16) against Algeria in their Group J opener at the Kansas City Stadium in Kansas City.
Messi, 39, is set to make a joint record-equalling sixth (also Cristiano Ronaldo) – and likely final – appearance at the quadrennial event after playing a key role in the Albiceleste’s triumph four years ago, with seven goals and three assists. For his exploits, the current Inter Miami attacker won a record second Golden Ball.
With the title triumph, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner ‘completed football’, winning every major title on offer in club and international football. Four years later, Messi is looking to help Lionel Scaloni’s side become the first side in 62 years (Brazil) to successfully defend their title.
Edited by Bhargav
