KATHMANDU, June 17: Defending champions Argentina opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group J campaign with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Algeria.
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Playing at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, the Argentine side cruised to victory thanks to a brilliant hat trick from captain Lionel Messi.
Making history with his sixth World Cup appearance, Messi gave Argentina an early lead in the 17th minute. He doubled the advantage in the 60th minute before completing his hat trick in the 76th minute with his third goal of the match.
The three-goal haul took Messi's overall World Cup tally to 16 goals, further cementing his place among the tournament's greatest players.
Argentina, which entered the tournament aiming to defend the title it won in 2022, dominated proceedings throughout the match and rarely allowed Algeria to threaten. The victory gives the South American giants a strong start to their World Cup campaign.
