Musa Ties Messi
Croatian Striker Petar Musa Scores in World Cup Loss, Ties Messi in Season Goals
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FC Dallas striker Petar Musa scored his first World Cup goal on Wednesday — and he did it just miles from where he plays his home games. Musa's strike came in Croatia's 4-2 opening-match loss to England at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, before a sellout crowd of 70,389, according to Associated Press.
The goal made Musa only the third MLS player in history to score for a European nation at a World Cup. He now has 32 goals in the Dallas area combined across Toyota Stadium and AT&T Stadium since joining FC Dallas in 2024. "The feeling was incredible to score a goal here at home," Musa said afterward, "but I'm not happy because we lost the game."
Musa Volley Ties Game Before England's Second-Half Surge
The match was level heading into halftime. Croatia's Martin Baturina equalized in the 36th minute, and Musa struck in the 45th minute — a volley off a flicked header from Ivan Perišić that beat goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. But England came out in the second half with force. Jude Bellingham scored just 90 seconds after the break to put England ahead 3-2, according to AP.
Harry Kane had already scored twice for England, including a retaken penalty in the 12th minute. His two goals gave him 10 total World Cup strikes, tying the English national record held by Gary Lineker, AP reported. Substitute Marcus Rashford added a fourth goal in the 85th minute to seal the win. Musa was subbed off in the 66th minute, saying he was "out of gas" from the physical effort.
Third MLS Player Ever to Score for a European Nation at World Cup
Musa's goal puts him in rare company. AP confirmed he is only the third MLS-based player to score for a European national team at a World Cup. The two before him were Gareth Bale, who scored for Wales while playing for LAFC in 2022, and Xherdan Shaqiri, who scored for Switzerland while a member of the Chicago Fire.
Musa joined FC Dallas in early 2024 as a club-record signing from Benfica. Analysts noted his familiarity with the Texas heat and the Arlington venue as a quiet edge for Croatia heading into Group L play. His comfort in the area showed — he now has more goals in the Dallas area than any active player at this World Cup, Newsday noted.
Musa Tied With Messi for Second in MLS Scoring Race
Even before his World Cup moment, Musa was having a standout 2026 MLS season. He has scored 12 goals this year, tying him with Lionel Messi of Inter Miami for second place in the league's scoring chart, according to MRT. His World Cup performance is expected to attract interest from European clubs looking to buy him back from Dallas.
The 2026 World Cup features 45 MLS players on various national rosters — an all-time high. Musa's goal, alongside Messi's continued starring role for Argentina, helps push back on the old idea that MLS is a place players go to retire. It is increasingly a league where active international starters play and thrive.
Croatia Now Faces Must-Win Situation in Group L
With zero points from their first match, Croatia must win their next group-stage game to stay alive in the tournament. England's second-half control exposed weaknesses in Croatia's defense, especially on set pieces. WWLTV noted that Croatia was "open and generous" in the air, allowing England to score twice from headers and corners.
For Musa personally, the question now is fitness. He admitted to being tired well before his substitution in the 66th minute — a concern for a player balancing the MLS spring schedule with a summer World Cup. Croatia will need him sharp if they hope to advance past the group stage.
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