The opening round produced memorable moments across the board, from record-breaking individual performances to statement results against tournament favorites. For Leagues Cup followers, the first matchday also offered a chance to watch familiar MLS faces compete against the world's best and contribute meaningfully for their national teams.
Here are the Leagues Cup participants who made an impact during the tournament's opening matchday.
- Lionel Messi (Argentina/Inter Miami) : Messi delivered a hat trick in Argentina's 3-0 victory over Algeria, becoming the oldest player to record a hat trick in a World Cup match. The three-goal outing moved him to 16 career World Cup goals, tying Miroslav Klose's all-time tournament scoring record. Four years after winning the Golden Ball at the 2022 World Cup, Messi has picked up where he left off. Even as Argentina continues to evolve around a new generation of talent, the 38-year-old remains the focal point of the reigning champions' attack. Whether creating chances, drawing defenders, or setting the tempo, Messi remains the standard-bearer for MLS talent on the world stage. He is competing in a record-breaking sixth World Cup. Inter Miami supporters will be hoping to watch him make another run at a Leagues Cup title later this summer.
- Petar Musa (Croatia/FC Dallas) : Musa enjoyed a memorable World Cup debut, scoring with his only shot in Croatia's 4-2 defeat to England. The 28-year-old forward struck a vital equalizer moments before halftime and made the most of his opportunity. Musa's goal gave FC Dallas representation on the World Cup scoresheet and served as another example of the quality MLS players can bring to international competition. After establishing himself as a key attacking weapon in Dallas, Musa carried that form into Croatia's national team setup and displayed the clinical finishing that has become his trademark.
- Steven Moreira (Cape Verde/Columbus Crew) : Moreira played a key role in Cape Verde's 0-0 draw against Spain. Facing one of the tournament's strongest sides, Cape Verde needed discipline, organization, and composure across the back line, and Moreira helped deliver exactly that. The 31-year-old right back played the full 90 minutes, helping secure one of the most surprising results of the opening matchday as Cape Verde frustrated Spain from start to finish. The point could prove crucial in the race to advance from Group H.
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