Reigning champions Argentina kicked off their 2026 World Cup in style with a comfortable 2-0 win over Algeria. A hat-trick from captain Lionel Messi secured all three points as the 38-year-old became the first player in history to play at six World Cups.

Heading into the game, both sides wanted to gain the early advantage in Group J with a win all but confirming their place in the Round of 32.

The game saw an end-to-end start with both Messi and Fares Chaibi seeing goals ruled out for offside despite their tidy near-post finishes.

But it did not take long for Messi to find his rhythm opening the scoring with a slick take from a line-breaking pass from Rodrigo De Paul. Messi drove forward, shifting onto his favoured left foot before striking from the edge of the box into the top right corner past a helpless Luca Zidane.

The second half closed with more momentum with Algeria with Chaibi and Anis Hadj Moussa creating half chances, nothing strong enough to test Emiliano Martinez in goal.

The Second half saw all of the Algerian momentum fade as Messi sowed his expertise again pouncing onto the rebound of an Alexis Mac Allister shot from distance as Zidane could only parry into the path of an eager-eyed Messi, doubling Argentina's lead and his goal tally 60 minutes in.

Following the second hydration break of the game, Argentina were back at it laying the pressure on the Algerians as they secured all three points with Messi once again. The Inter Miami star found himself on the edge of the box controlling a cutback from substitute Nicolas Gonzalez. A quick shift and shot saw the great man slot his effort into the bottom left corner as the Algerian defenders were left bewildered.

Whilst Algeria did see more of the ball in the closing embers of the match, Argentina's game management was enough to see their clean sheet through to the full time whistle.

The relentless press winning back possession kept all Algerian attack's quiet with quality in depth from the bench proving to be enough.

The game saw a comfortable ending for the Argentines as they sit leading the way in Group J. Despite seeing less of the ball in the game, the South Americans showed their effectiveness and killer instinct to make an impact.

Messi's hat-trick sees him become the oldest to do so in a FIFA World Cup overtaking Cristiano Ronaldo who's hat-trick against Spain in 2018 aged 33 stood strong at the top for eight years.

A huge statement of intent from the Argentines as they drop the most dominant display so far out of all the World Cup favourites.

Many doubted the 38-year-old icon heading into the tournament with concerns over injury and fitness leading the way. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner certainly put those doubters to bed with his performance demonstrating the intensity needed to put a fourth star above the Argentina badge.

On a match day which saw the likes of Killian Mbappe and Erling Haaland shine scoring braces in their opening games, Messi will still lead the headlines proving himself as still a top player and current top scorer.

It was not only his goals that made him stand out; his composure on the ball, control in tight areas and movement to turn half chances into goals boosts Argentina in all offensive capacities.

The Argentine fluidity is hard to beat with their sharpness and cohesiveness in their movement both on and off the ball makes them hard to ignore as potential favourites to goals the way.

Many predicted an Argentina win, and it did not look to be anything else given the immediate quality shown, but the Algerians can take lots away from the 90 minutes as they look ahead to Jordan next week.

They made a great start with their intensity finding the net only to be ruled out by the offside flag. Their dip began with Argentina's ability to adapt as thy bypassed Algeria's attempts to regain possession through quick interplay and one touch football.

Moving into next week the Algerians need to address their lack of urgency off the ball to follow runs and pass men onion needed.

Players such as Chaibi and Hadj Moussa did show their capabilities on the ball with their technical ability opening the yard of space to get a shot off, but to have any chance of taking points from Argentina, the end product must be better. 

Being limited to shots from distance left a tough game, particularly when chasing possession and varying runs, but their game against Jordan is the perfect opportunity to bounce back.

Argentina sit comfortably at the top of Group J ahead of Austria's clash with Jordan. Goal difference may be the defining factor in the arrangement of the group and knockout journey.

Algeria will be desperate to redeem themselves in California when they face the debutants Jordan, as they look to get back to winning ways.

Argentina now turn to Ralf Rangnick's Austria side. A much more coded force which thrives on possession-based football and has made a name on Europe's stage.