A hat-trick against Algeria equalled Miroslav Klose’s World Cup scoring record, but Messi and his teammates insist the mark doesn’t matter to him

In the remaining half hour, France found the kind of killer passes and cold, clinical finishes which we know their assembled talents are capable of. 

Thomas Tuchel’s side have been forced into a late squad change ahead of Wednesday’s Group L curtain raiser against Croatia after the Newcastle defender picked up an injury.

While most in Australia have lamented the fact that Joe Schmidt is moving on in July, Laurie Fisher said it could ultimately be a positive

Nine months ago the trio were part of the European side which won overseas for the first time in 13 years 60 miles west of here at Bethpage.

After a run of near misses, McIlroy believes patience can help deliver a first US Open title since 2011

Will Armagh fans outnumber Kerry’s in Fitzgerald Stadium?

After a run of near misses, McIlroy believes patience can help deliver a first US Open title since 2011

Meanwhile Derry City will take on CSKA Sofia of Bulgaria in the Europa League first qualifying round.

Irish no.3 Conor Gannon beat former Wimbledon quarter-finalist Bernard Tomic 6-7 6-4 7-6

Lopes broke the habit of a lifetime by trying to swap jerseys with a Spanish player after Monday's World Cup game but it didn't work out.

SIS Pitches was founded by Sligo man George Mullan and its pitch technology is used at nine of the 16 World Cup stadiums

Fans cheered and booed loudly while Iran’s national anthem was played at the game against New Zealand, which ended in a 2-2 draw.

Ahmed Al Ahmed was the simple fruit shop owner who stopped a bloodbath becoming a massacre. After the unexpected windfall of a GoFundMe and worldwide fame, his life has spiralled out of control 

Mary Cate Smith spies a marvellous marble shelf, the ultimate tiny house, and art that puts her best holiday memories in the picture

Lowe’s departure is the headline act in a summer of change. For O’Brien, his exit will resonate.

Former Nottingham Forest manager Lamouchi had only taken over in January and was in charge for just five matches, but he has become the first coach to be dismissed after a single game of a World Cup finals.

The Arsenal winger has been managing an Achilles injury that dogged the end of his domestic campaign

The team’s build-up to the finals has been profoundly impacted by the conflict between Iran and the United States, with the squad forced to move their training camp to Mexico

Last night saw more excitement but no one picked up three points with all games on the day finishing as draws.