From viral fan moments to on-field controversies, as well as the biggest stars, best performances, upsets and more.A first-ever hat-trick for Lionel Messi, heavyweights Spain stunned by tiny Cape Verde, and DR Congo silencing Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal.What more could you ask from the opening week of a FIFA World Cup?Recommended Stories list of 3 itemsend of listAfter the first round of group matches, here are our top 10 takeaways:Last dance? Perhaps not, Lionel Messi has more in storeBefore the tournament kicked off in North America, many thought Lionel Messi would be gearing himself up for his final act. But after his first-ever World Cup hat-trick – one that also matched the record for most World Cup goals – Messi has reminded us his story is not over just yet.Where is Cristiano Ronaldo? Portugal star goes missingWhile the Messi mania dominated headlines over recent days, his longtime rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, also made the news, albeit for the wrong reasons. “Is he past his prime?” was the collective question of viewers after his mostly anonymous display in Portugal’s 1-1 draw with DR Congo on Wednesday.There is no stopping Kylian MbappeBecoming France’s all-time leading scorer always seemed a matter of when, not if, for Kylian Mbappe, and achieving the feat in their opening World Cup match was further proof of his extraordinary talent. The 27-year-old, now just two shy of matching the all-time haul for most World Cup goals, is making a habit of chasing records.The Golden Boot race is taking shapeLong-range rockets, tap-ins, headers and more. There was no shortage of goals, and Argentinian legend Messi is the outright leader with three strikes. As many as seven players – including England’s Harry Kane, Norway’s Erling Haaland and France’s Mbappe – are tied for the second spot with two goals each. Lionel Messi has taken the early lead in the race for the Golden Boot, an award handed to the tournament’s highest goal scorer [Amy Kontras/EPA]The title favourites are having a hard timeThis is, by far, the upset of the tournament. Spain – the absolute frontrunners for the World Cup – stumbled a …
