Holders Argentina beat Algeria 3-0 to begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup title defence with an emphatic win in Group J. At Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, captain Lionel Messi left his mark with a hat-trick.
Algeria found the net in the 8th minute through Farès Chaïbi, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Argentina took control after that and went ahead in the 17th minute: from a Rodrigo de Paul assist, Messi made it 1-0. The first half ended at that scoreline.
Messi continued his show in the second half. He doubled the lead with his second in the 60th minute, then completed his hat-trick in the 76th from a Nicolás González assist to make it 3-0. Lionel Scaloni later rested Messi, giving him the chance for a standing ovation.
The statistics underlined Argentina's superiority. The champions finished ahead on expected goals (xG) 1.23 to 0.30 and led on big chances 2-0, while Algeria edged possession with 52%. Algeria threatened at times in attack but could not break down the Argentine defence.
Refereed by Poland's Szymon Marciniak, the match saw Argentina take all three points for a strong start to the group. After losing their opener to Saudi Arabia in 2022, Argentina avoided a similar shock this time and got their tournament off to the perfect start. Messi, likely at his final World Cup, made an early statement in the Golden Boot race.
Image: reuters.com
Tuna Başkan
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