Argentina started their World Cup campaign in Kansas City by convincingly defeating Algeria 3-0 in their opening group match. Lionel Messi was the decisive player, scoring all three goals for the South American champions.
Messi put Argentina ahead in the 17th minute with a precise left-footed shot, following a perfect assist from Rodrigo de Paul. He continued his dominance in the second half, extending the lead in the 60th minute. After a mistake by Algerian goalkeeper Luca Zidane, Messi was in position to finish off a shot by Mac Allister, slotting the ball into the lower right corner. Sixteen minutes later, the Argentine forward completed his hat-trick, scoring into the lower left corner after a supply from Gonzalez.
Algeria struggled throughout the match to find their footing against the highly dominant Argentine squad. They were unable to convert the limited chances they were afforded. While Fares Chaibi had what might have been the best opportunity in the first half, his goal was ultimately disallowed for offside. Despite tactical changes and bringing on fresh attackers, Algeria could not seriously pressure the Argentine defense.
