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World Cup's biggest stars take the field in Argentina's Messi, France's Mbappe
CBS Sports • • general
Key Points:
- The World Cup first round nears its end with key matches today including Argentina vs. Algeria in Group J and France vs. Senegal in Group I, featuring stars like Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland.
- Lionel Messi, now 38, remains a top player despite playing in MLS, and is expected to perform strongly at the World Cup with talented teammates like Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez.
- Messi's World Cup performance is uncertain; while he dominates in MLS, the tournament's higher level could challenge him, though he may still perform at an All-Star level.
- Kylian Mbappe, despite his scoring prowess, faces criticism for his defensive work rate, with statistics showing low defensive pressure and interceptions compared to peers.
- Mbappe acknowledges the need to improve defensively to help France win, highlighting the importance of defense in high-level competitions like the Champions League and World Cup.
