THE Kilgetty Messi was involved in Cyrmu’s opening goal as they got their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign off to a winning start against Kazakhstan at the Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday.

It wasn’t a goal of beauty though, Wales making a hash of s short corner routine and the visitors doing an even worse job of clearing it.

Kilgetty’s Liam Cullen did well to regain possession, the ball falling to Ben Davies who laid it off to Dan James.

The Leeds player’s first time shot lacked venom but deflected off a defender past keeper Alexandr Zarutskiy.

Askhat Tagybergen equalised for Kazakhstan from the penalty spot on the half hour but Wales rallied in the second half with goals by Ben Davies and Rabbi Matondo.

Cullen was looking to build on his two-goal display and man-of-the-match performance in the 4-1 win against Iceland back in November which sealed Wales’ position at the top table of the Nations League.

That came during his third start for Wales, days after putting pen to paper on a new contract that will keep him at boyhood club Swansea City until the summer of 2028.

From his early days at Kilgetty AFC to representing the national team, Cullen's journey is a testament to his hard work and passion.

Speaking before Saturday’s game he said: “We obviously had a really good Nations League campaign and that finished really positively.

“We are really excited going into this first set of qualifiers. I hope it will be my first taste of a World Cup qualifying campaign.

“We have got a few Swansea boys past and present in there, and I hope we can go there and get minutes and contribute to two good performances and results.

“It’s a big opportunity for everyone involved, everyone would love to play in a major international tournament, so it will be great if we can start well.”