Over on the other side of the world, Lionel Messi turned back the clock with a hat-trick and two-assist performance against Bolivia in Argentina’s 6-0 win in World Cup qualification. Enzo Fernández played the full-90, which isn’t ideal.

The Egyptian national team secured its spot in the 2025 African Cup of Nations with a 1-0 victory over hosts Mauritania in the fourth round of Group 3 qualifiers. Egyptian striker Ibrahim Adel scored the decisive goal in the 85th minute,

After a few years of being the best side in Africa between tournaments but then failing to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup as well as underperforming at both of the recent AFCON tournaments, Algeria need to properly make a substantial mark to not waste this generation.

Burkina Faso became the first team to qualify for the 2025 African Cup of Nations finals, joining hosts Morocco in the 24-team tournament with a 2-0 win in Burundi on Sunday.

Burkina Faso became the first team to qualify for the 2025 African Cup of Nations finals, joining hosts Morocco in the 24-team tournament following a 2-0 win in Burundi on Sunday.

Five-time winners Cameroon and 2019 champions Algeria both booked their places at next year's Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco after victories in qualifying on Monday, bringing the number of qualified teams to four.