local
Messi and Mbappé romping through World Cup with dazzling display of history-making goals
By JIM VERTUNO, Associated Press at ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports
· June 23, 2026
· 1 min read
Lionel Messi has been mesmerizing. Kylian Mbappé has been, well, magnifique. Two of the biggest stars of the World Cup are setting records with history-making goals in a sizzling start that has even the most casual soccer fans in the U.S. taking notice. Messi has five goals in Argentina's first t...
Key takeaway Kylian Mbappé has been, well, magnifique.
Why this matters in The McAllen
The World Cup frenzy has reached the Rio Grande Valley, with locals gathering at watch parties and sports bars to catch a glimpse of Messi and Mbappe's dazzling displays. In McAllen , where soccer is a beloved sport, fans are particularly enthusiastic about the tournament, with many drawing comparisons between the Argentine and French teams' strategies and those of local high school squads. The Valley's strong Hispanic heritage also adds a layer of excitement, as many residents have family ties to the countries competing in the World Cup, including Argentina. As the tournament progresses, expect to see more fans donning their favorite teams' jerseys and flags, adding a splash of color and energy to the city's streets and public spaces. With Messi and Mbappe continuing to make history, the Valley's soccer enthusiasts will be eagerly awaiting each match, cheering on their favorite players and teams.
About this story
Original reporting by ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports . The McAllen surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Lionel Messi has been mesmerizing. Kylian Mbappé has been, well, magnifique. Two of the biggest stars of the World Cup are setting records with history-making goals in a sizzling start that has even the most casual soccer fans in the U.S. taking notice. Messi has five goals in Argentina's first t...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 23, 2026 by ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports and curated for The McAllen readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by JIM VERTUNO, Associated Press at ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports. To learn more about how The McAllen selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The McAllen, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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