Statement: Argentina's title defense started with L. Messi's hat-trick

2026-06-17 06:17 © AP

The defending world champion Argentina team, along with Lionel Messi, shows that they didn't come to this tournament to joke around.

In their first match in Group J, Lionel Scaloni's team crushed the Algeria team 3-0.

In the 17th minute, their leader Leo Messi led the world champions ahead.

In the 60th minute, the eight-time best player in the world doubled the score.

In the 76th minute, Messi hammered in the decisive nail, completing his "hat-trick" and crushing the opponents' hopes of at least fighting for a point.

In other group matches, Austria will play against the Jordanian team.