Messi's Hat Trick, Pulisic Injury Drama, World Cup Bets & Mexico-South Korea Preview

June 17, 2026 2 Min Read

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Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros react to Lionel Messi's historic hat trick in Argentina's 3-0 victory and discuss what it means for his final World Cup. With Messi now tied for the most World Cup goals ever, the guys debate who had the best opening performance of the tournament: Messi, Kylian Mbappé or Erling Haaland. They also discuss Christian Pulisic's calf injury and whether Mauricio Pochettino should protect his captain against Australia or trust him to lead the United States once again.

Next, The Cooligans welcome Ben Fawkes for another World Cup betting segment. The crew breaks down the over/under for USA-Australia, debates whether Folarin Balogun is the safest goal scorer bet, and examines England's attacking options against Croatia. They also look at Mexico vs South Korea and ask whether tempers could boil over after the chaos of Mexico's opening match, while discussing Ismail Saibari's chances of scoring again for Morocco against Scotland.

To wrap up the show, Christian and Alexis preview another packed day at the World Cup. Can Mexico take control of Group A against South Korea? Will Colombia avoid an upset against Uzbekistan? Can Ghana get a result against Panama? And with England set to face Croatia in one of the marquee games of the group stage, the guys discuss what the Three Lions need to do to prove that football really might be coming home.

Timestamps:

(0:00) — Messi makes history with World Cup hat trick

(9:00) - Who had the best night: Mbappe, Haaland or Messi?

(11:30) - Should Pochettino start or rest Pulisic against Australia?

(24:30) - World Cup betting preview with Ben Fawkes

(39:45) - Mexico vs South Korea preview

(45:45) - Matchday preview