With 50 matches still left to be played in North America, and the vast majority of Matchday 3 finales still ahead, this 161-goal opening salvo means the 2026 tournament is mathematically projected to shatter past the 280-goal milestone, setting a baseline that may not be touched for decades.

Argentina striker Lionel Messi scored five goals in a 5-0 friendly win over Estonia on Sunday, a result which helped him overtake Hungary’s great Ferenc Puskas among the all-time international top scorers.