Argentina 3-0 Algeria – Group stage, Group J result

The opening match of Group J in the FIFA World Cup 2026 took place at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, pitting South American giants Argentina against North African challengers Algeria. Both sides entered the game eager to start their campaign on a positive note, with the stadium filled with a mix of local supporters and travelling fans.

How it unfolded

From the kickoff, Argentina pressed high, seeking to impose their rhythm on the game. In the 17th minute, Lionel Messi opened the scoring with a left-footed strike from outside the box that curled into the top right corner. The build-up was orchestrated by Rodrigo De Paul, whose precise pass split the Algerian defence and set Messi free for the opener. The early breakthrough gave Argentina confidence and forced Algeria to chase the game.

The first half continued with Argentina retaining possession and testing the Algerian back line, but no further goals were added before the interval.

The second half began with both sides looking to assert themselves, but Argentina retained the initiative. Six minutes into the half, Messi doubled his tally, this time with a right-footed effort from the centre of the box that found the bottom right corner. The goal came unassisted, showing Messi’s ability to create space and finish cleanly inside the penalty area. Messi’s second strike effectively settled the contest and left Algeria scrambling for a response.

A few minutes later, a quick transition saw Messi receive the ball in the box. Just ten minutes after his second goal, Argentina completed a remarkable hat-trick. Messi received a pass from Nico González in the centre of the box and, with his left foot, placed the ball into the bottom left corner. The assist from González capped a swift exchange that left Algeria chasing a game they could not recover from. The final goal silenced any hopes of an Algerian comeback.

Algeria attempted to create chances through rapid counters, but were unable to break down the Argentine defence, which kept a clean sheet throughout the ninety minutes. Overall, the match showcased Argentina’s attacking prowess and highlighted Messi’s clinical finishing.

Standout performers

Lionel Messi was the undeniable star, scoring all three goals and guiding Argentina to a comfortable win. His first-half strike demonstrated his range, while his second-half finishes highlighted composure under pressure. Rodrigo De Paul earned a mention for the assist that launched Messi’s opening goal, linking midfield to attack with vision. Nico González provided the decisive pass for the third goal, contributing an assist that completed the hat-trick.

Match facts

  • Final score: Argentina 3-0 Algeria
  • Scorers: Lionel Messi (17', 60', 76') – assists from Rodrigo De Paul (17') and Nico González (76')
  • Bookings: none
  • Venue: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

What it means

The result secures three points for Argentina and leaves Algeria without points as the Group J campaign progresses. Both teams will look to build on this performance in their remaining group fixtures.