Algeria's long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup 2026 ended in a 3-0 defeat against defending champions Argentina in their Group J opener in Kansas City on Tuesday, with Lionel Messi delivering a hat-trick that drew him level with the all-time FIFA World Cup goalscoring record.

The margin of victory flatters Argentina somewhat. For significant stretches, the Fennec Foxes competed with composure and ambition against one of the tournament's heaviest favourites — only for Messi's ruthless brilliance to ultimately prove the difference.

A lively opening unsettled by VAR

The match burst to life inside the opening five minutes when Messi found the net, only for VAR to rule the effort offside. Algeria hit back almost immediately: Ibrahim Maza played Fares Chaibi through on goal, and the midfielder finished with conviction past Emiliano Martinez — but VAR again intervened and chalked the goal off for offside.

The breathless opening gradually settled into a tactical contest. Algeria sat with defensive discipline and goalkeeper Luca Zidane made a series of vital saves to keep the scores level.

The deadlock was broken in the 17th minute. Receiving the ball on the edge of the area, Messi dropped a shoulder past his marker and curled a left-footed effort beyond Zidane's fingertips into the far corner.

Chaibi threatens before Messi strikes again

Algeria refused to drop deep despite the deficit. Chaibi was a persistent menace in the first half — delivering a dangerous cross that forced Argentina into frantic defending and later testing the woodwork with a long-range effort that flew just over the crossbar.

The Fennec Foxes went into half-time still very much in the contest.

Argentina continued to dominate possession after the break, with Lautaro Martinez going close before Zidane denied him. The pressure eventually told when Messi reacted quickest to a rebound from an Alexis Mac Allister effort that Zidane had parried, stabbing home his second goal shortly before the hour mark.

Coach Vladimir Petkovic responded by sending on Riyad Mahrez, Mohamed Amoura, and Houssem Aouar to energise the attack, but the changes opened space at the back.

Messi punished Algeria for the third time in the 76th minute, curling another trademark finish from the edge of the area to complete his hat-trick and seal the victory.

Algeria look ahead to Jordan

Despite the scoreline, Algeria showed enough organisation, courage, and technical quality to leave Kansas City with reasons for optimism. They were competitive against the world's reigning champions and created genuine chances — a reminder that their World Cup journey is far from over.

The Fennec Foxes now face a decisive Group J clash against Jordan on 22 June in San Francisco. A win is essential if Algeria are to keep their knockout-stage hopes alive.