World Cup
1:00 A.MJune 17, 2026
Group stage – 1
Arrowhead Stadium
Reference: Szymon Marciniak, Poland
Argentina
Algeria
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
1.23
Expected Goals (xG)
0.31
-1.02
Prevented goals
-1.02
Passing by
503 (90%)
Accurate passes
558 (92%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
23
G
Emiliano Martinez
6.9
25
d
Facundo Medina
7.2
6
d
Lisandro Martinez
7.5
13
d
Cristian Romero
7.2
4
d
Gonzalo Montiel
6.9
16
m
Thiago Almada
6.6
24
m
Enzo Fernandez
7.0
20
m
Alexis McAllister
6.6
m
Rodrigo De Paul
17′
22
F
Lautaro Martinez
6.5
F
Lionel Messi (C)
17′
60′
76′
23
G
Luca Zidane
6.2
15
d
Rayan Ait-Nouri
5.9
21
d
Marc Bensebaini
6.7
2
d
Aïssa Mandi (C)
7.2
17
d
Rafik Belghali
5.9
22
m
Ibrahim Maza
6.3
19
m
Nabil Bentaleb
6.6
14
m
Hicham Boudaoui
6.3
10
F
Fares Chaïbi
6.3
9
F
Amine Gouiri
6.3
11
F
Anis Hadj Moussa
6.7
Substitutes
25
F
Fares Ghejemis
12
F
Ahmed Nadir Benbouali
24
m
Yassine Titraoui
26
d
Samir Sophian Chergui
13
d
Jaouen Hadjam
5
d
Zineddine Belaid
4
d
Mohamed Tougai
3
d
Achref Abada
16
G
Oussama Benbot
1
G
Melvin Mastil
m
Ramiz Zerrouki
82′ Replaced by I. MazaF
Boulbina fair
81′ Replaced by N. BentalebF
Mohamed Amora
64′ Replaced by A. GouiriF
Riyad Mahrez
64′ Replaced by A. Hadj Moussam
Houssem Aouar
64′ Replaced by H. BoudaouiNo ranking data available for this league
Lionel Messi delivered a masterclass with a hat-trick as Argentina thrashed Algeria 3-0 in their World Cup group stage clash at the Arrowhead Stadium.
Argentina came into this match looking to boost their World Cup campaign. The team had shown promise in their early matches and looked to establish dominance early. Algeria, meanwhile, faced a tough test against one of the tournament’s traditional powers.
The game came to life in the 17th minute when Messi broke the deadlock. The Argentine star found space on the left side of the area and fired a clinical finish in front of the Algerian goalkeeper. The opening goal set the tone for what would become a one-sided affair.
Argentina controlled possession in the first half, keeping 48 percent of the ball despite Algeria’s attempts to build from the back. The visitors managed to keep it 1-0 at half-time, although they created few genuine chances. Their goalkeeper did not make a single save in the first 45 minutes as Argentina’s attacking players probed without finding a second step.
Messi was the focal point for Argentina in the first period. He attempted six shots in total, and four found the target. The striker’s movement and positioning constantly disrupted Algeria’s defensive line, creating spaces for teammates to exploit.
Algeria showed more offensive intent after the break. However, their efforts produced limited results against a well-organized Argentine defense. The visitors scored four shots off target but were unable to test the Argentinian goalkeeper effectively.
Messi doubled Argentina’s lead in the 60th minute with a composed finish. The goal came after sustained pressure from the locals, which put the game beyond doubt. Algeria’s defensive struggles became increasingly evident as Argentina’s attacking players operated freely.
The Argentine midfielder sealed his hat-trick in the 76th minute, adding a third goal to his tally. That completed a dominant display from the tournament favorite. Messi’s performance earned him a perfect score of 10.0 for the game.
The statistics told the story of Argentina’s superiority. Argentina recorded a total of 10 shots with six on target, generating 1.23 expected goals. Algeria managed seven shots but just zero on target, creating just 0.31 expected goals. Argentina’s passing accuracy reached 90 percent with 503 accurate passes from 561 attempts.
Rodrigo De Paul provided crucial midfield support, registering one assist and three tackles. Lisandro MartÃnez and Facundo Medina solidly anchored the defense, each getting 7.2 points for their contributions. Aïssa Mandi fought hard for Algeria but could not avoid the onslaught.
This impressive win strengthens Argentina’s position in their World Cup group. The three points bring them closer to securing progression to the knockout stage. Messi’s hat-trick marks an important statement of intent as the tournament progresses.
