Story perspectives

Messi Scores, Dhaka Celebrates; Wealth Trumps Population.

7/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

Lionel Messi scored his first 2026 World Cup goal on 17 June, prompting street celebrations in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Only the United States and Brazil have qualified for the tournament among the ten most populous countries.
Economist Stefan Szymanski said wealth, infrastructure and training facilities, not population size, determine football success.
BBC Indonesian editor Jerome Wirawan said Indonesia’s qualifiers often fielded eight or nine European-born players.

1 of 1

Story summary

Lionel Messi scored his first 2026 World Cup goal on 17 June, prompting street celebrations in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Only the United States and Brazil have qualified for the tournament among the ten most populous countries.
Economist Stefan Szymanski said wealth, infrastructure and training facilities, not population size, determine football success.
BBC Indonesian editor Jerome Wirawan said Indonesia’s qualifiers often fielded eight or nine European-born players.