FIFA World Cup 2026: Messi Leads the Way as Top-Paid Players Make Their Mark

When the FIFA World Cup 2026 started, all the talk was about whether Lionel Messi will score, how much fitter Cristiano Ronaldo is and which money making machine will also turn out to be the saviour with the feet for his team. And the first verdict is out. The first round of matches at the FIFA World Cup 2026 is complete, offering an early snapshot of how some of the game’s biggest names have started their campaigns. The tournament’s highest-paid players delivered a mixed set of results across the United States, Mexico and Canada. While earnings determine off-field standing, performances on the pitch remain the ultimate measure during a World Cup. Here’s how the 10 highest-paid footballers featuring in the tournament performed in Round 1. Portugal opened its World Cup campaign against DR Congo. Ronaldo, aged 41, started the match and became one of the oldest outfield players to feature at a FIFA World Cup. Portugal was held to a 1-1 draw, with Ronaldo unable to get on the scoresheet. Round 1 Return: 0 goals, 0 assists Messi delivered one of the standout performances of the opening round as Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0. The Argentine captain scored all three goals, registering the tournament’s first hat-trick and moving level with Miroslav Klose’s men’s World Cup record of 16 goals. Round 1 Return: 3 goals France began its campaign with a victory over Senegal. Mbappé scored twice, including a late goal that sealed the result, continuing his strong World Cup scoring record. Round 1 Return: 2 goals Making his World Cup debut, Haaland scored twice as Norway defeated Iraq. His goals helped Norway make a winning start to the tournament. Round 1 Return: 2 goals Vinicius contributed an assist in Brazil’s opening match and remained one of the team’s primary attacking outlets from the left flank. Round 1 Return: 1 assist Salah featured in Egypt’s opening game but did not record a goal or assist. Round 1 Return: 0 goals, 0 assists Mané led Senegal’s attack against France but was unable to register a goal contribution. Round 1 Return: 0 goals, 0 assists England defeated Croatia 4-2 in one of the most entertaining matches of the opening round. Bellingham scored the goal that restored England’s lead early in the second half and played a central role in midfield. Round 1 Return: 1 goal Kane scored twice, including a penalty, as England overcame Croatia. The England captain finished the opening round among the tournament’s leading goalscorers. Round 1 Return: 2 goals Neymar did not feature in Brazil’s opening match and hence could not register a goal or assist. Round 1 Return: 0 goals, 0 assists The opening round has provided only an early indicator, but among football’s highest-paid stars, Messi, Mbappé, Haaland and Kane made the strongest statistical starts to their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaigns.