COLOMBO (News 1st); Argentina began their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in emphatic style with a commanding 3-0 victory over Algeria, powered by a sensational Lionel Messi hat-trick that lit up Kansas City Stadium and sent a strong message to the rest of the tournament.
In a much-anticipated Group J encounter, the defending champions took control early, dictating possession and asserting their attacking quality against an Algerian side that struggled to cope with the intensity and movement of the South American giants. The result marked a perfect start for Argentina as they launched their title defence with authority on the global stage.
The breakthrough moment arrived in the 17th minute when Messi opened the scoring with a trademark strike.
Argentina maintained their dominance after the opener, controlling the tempo of the match and limiting Algeria’s attacking opportunities. Despite a disciplined defensive effort from the North African side, they were unable to prevent Argentina from building sustained pressure throughout the contest.
The second goal came in the 60th minute, once again from Messi, who demonstrated his sharp instincts inside the penalty area.
With Algeria chasing the game but failing to create meaningful chances, Argentina continued to dominate proceedings, showcasing their balance between defensive discipline and attacking precision. The South American side’s composure ensured they remained in full control as the match moved into its final stages.
Messi completed his historic hat-trick in the 76th minute, sealing the 3-0 victory in style.
