The Undeniable GOAT?
Lionel Messi’s Record-Tying Night
Whiskey Talk Sports
Volume 3
17/06/2026
The Undeniable GOAT?
FIFA World Cup
Lionel Messi just captured his first career World Cup hat trick last night in a 3-0 win against Algeria. Scoring every goal for Argentina in the opening match, the 38-year-old tied Klose’s record of 16 goals for the most all-time in World Cup history. After Argentina captured the 2022 World Cup, many speculated, including himself, that this would be Messi’s final World Cup. Instead, Messi decided to come back for another one and is now leading the scoring. Messi was awarded the Golden Ball at the last World Cup as the MVP in the tournament, and is now on pace for another if he keeps this up. The long-debated GOAT debate has always been between Messi and Ronaldo. After his performance in 2022 and this historic opening match, Lionel Messi may have just cemented himself as the undeniable Greatest of All Time in many people’s minds. While both players have been beyond dominant for their entire careers, the things that Messi continues to do are just absurd. Unfortunately for Cristiano Ronaldo, he remained scoreless in Portugal’s opening match against the DR Congo this morning, resulting in a 1-1 draw for the heavily favoured Portugal. Another powerhouse team begins their World Cup this afternoon, with England taking on Croatia at 1:00 PM. Canada resumes their play tomorrow afternoon against Qatar, looking for their first-ever World Cup win.
Lines/Odds:
England VS.Croatia:
Moneyline: England -145 Croatia +420
O/U: 2.5, Under at -135 Over at +110
Great Bet Boosted Parlay (Not gambling advice): Harry Kane 1+ SOG & England Moneyline +200, $10 pays out $30
Canada VS. Qatar:
Moneyline: Canada -350 Qatar +900
O/U: 2.5, Under at + 105 Over at -125
An upset is very possible after Qatar’s draw with Switzerland; $10 on Qatar pays out $100.
NHL
While the season has come to a close, the trades have begun to pick up. The Toronto Maple Leafs have sent goaltender Joseph Woll and defenceman Simon Benoit to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for defenceman Emil Andrae and goaltender Samuel Ersson. The Leafs have also hired Jim Hiller as their new head coach. Hiller has only coached one full season as a head coach, but has 10 years of experience as an Assistant in the league. Hiller was the former head coach of the Los Angeles Kings in the 2024-2025 season before being let go. The NHL draft is taking place June 26th-27th in Buffalo, New York, with the Leafs holding the first overall pick and projected to take the superstar, Gavin McKenna.
