Messi leads Argentina to a 3-0 victory over Algeria in the World Cup

Algeria's national team started their journey in the 2026 World Cup with a 3-0 loss to Argentina in the match held at the Kansas stadium as part of Group 10.

The Algerian team entered the match with clear caution against the title holders, trying to avoid conceding an early goal, but the beginning of the match witnessed great tension after the cancellation of Argentina's first goal due to offside following a video technology review.

The Algerian team quickly responded with a promising attempt, after Ibrahim Maze passed a distinguished ball to Farès Chaïbi who put it in the net in the eighth minute, but the referee also canceled the goal after video technology intervention due to offside.

After this open start, Lionel Messi succeeded in giving Argentina the lead in the 17th minute with a powerful shot from outside the penalty area, which goalkeeper Luca Zidane could not save.

Despite the "Desert Warriors" attempts to return to the match, the Argentine team maintained their defensive organization and ended the first half leading by one goal to none.

In the second half, Argentina imposed clearer tactical control, relying on quick counterattacks and exploiting spaces behind the Algerian defense. Messi managed to add the second goal in the 60th minute after skillfully taking advantage of a defensive error.

With the Algerian team's rhythm declining despite substitutions, Messi returned to settle the match with a third goal in the 76th minute, completing his personal hat-trick and gifting Argentina the first three points in their title defense journey.

The loss puts the Algerian team under early pressure before the next two rounds, while Argentina, led by Messi, confirmed their readiness to compete strongly from the start of the tournament.