--- title: "Messi, Kane Star as World Cup Group Stage Concludes" description: "Lionel Messi's sixth goal and Harry Kane's clutch strike set up a thrilling knockout stage, while Iran's elimination adds to the drama" url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/world-cup-messi-sends-argentina-top-england-to-face-dr-con-664e0970 published: 2026-06-29T19:37:21.155+00:00 updated: 2026-06-29T19:37:21.155+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["soccer"] --- # Messi, Kane Star as World Cup Group Stage Concludes > Lionel Messi's sixth goal and Harry Kane's clutch strike set up a thrilling knockout stage, while Iran's elimination adds to the drama Lionel Messi scored his sixth goal of the 2026 World Cup, while Harry Kane struck to send England to the top of their group. Iran, meanwhile, were eliminated from the tournament, setting up a thrilling knockout stage. Messi's goal helped Argentina secure a crucial win, showcasing his lethal form in the tournament. Kane's strike, on the other hand, demonstrated his leadership and clutch ability, as England topped their group. Iran's exit, however, was a heartbreak for the team, which had hoped to advance to the knockout stage. The group stage concluded with several teams securing their spots in the knockout stage, including Argentina and England. DR Congo, which will face England in the next stage, will look to pull off an upset against the group winners. The knockout stage is set to feature several thrilling matchups, with Messi's Argentina and Kane's England among the top contenders. The elimination of Iran marked the end of their World Cup campaign, which had started with promise but ultimately ended in disappointment. The team's exit adds to the drama of the tournament, which has already seen several upsets and surprises. As the knockout stage approaches, fans can expect even more excitement and drama, with the world's top teams competing for the coveted title. With the group stage locked, the knockout bracket now pits Argentina against the surprise package of Senegal, whose defensive resilience has already upset a higher‑seeded side. Messi’s sixth strike not only pushes Argentina to 7 points but also sends a clear message to opponents that his late‑game surge remains untamed. England’s path is equally fraught. Kane’s winner over Denmark secured a perfect six‑point haul, but the upcoming clash with DR Congo will test the Three Lions’ ability to break down a physically imposing side that thrives on set‑piece chaos. If Kane can replicate his clutch performance, England’s momentum could carry them deep into the tournament. After the final whistle, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni lauded Messi’s composure, noting that “the veteran’s ability to find space in the box at the last minute is what separates champions from contenders.” England manager Gareth Southgate echoed the sentiment, emphasizing Kane’s “clinical finish under pressure” as a catalyst for the squad’s confidence heading into the knockouts. What’s next: Argentina opens the round of 16 against Senegal on June 30, a clash that pits Messi’s attacking flair against a disciplined African defence. England meets DR Congo three days later, where a physical battle is expected. Both matches will determine which of the tournament’s biggest stars can translate group‑stage dominance into knockout success. ## Why this matters The World Cup drama shifts gears with Messi's lethal form, Kane's leadership, and Iran's heartbreak setting up knockout chaos, as the tournament enters its most critical stage. ## Frequently asked ### Who scored the sixth goal of the 2026 World Cup? Lionel Messi scored his sixth goal of the 2026 World Cup. ### Which team topped their group thanks to Harry Kane's strike? England topped their group thanks to Harry Kane's clutch strike. ### Which team was eliminated from the World Cup? Iran was eliminated from the World Cup. ## Sources & Citations - [World Cup: Messi sends Argentina top, England to face DR Congo, Iran out - Al Jazeera](https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2026/6/28/messi-argentina-fifa-world-cup-2026-england-dr-congo-portugal-iran) — NewsAPI.org (2026-06-28) --- Cite: Messi, Kane Star as World Cup Group Stage Concludes. Sportopod, 2026-06-29. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/world-cup-messi-sends-argentina-top-england-to-face-dr-con-664e0970