In their FIFA World Cup (WC) Group J opening match at Arrowhead Stadium, La Albiceleste defeated Algeria 3-0 thanks to Lionel Messi, who made his 200th appearance for Argentina.
Two goals were disallowed for offside in the first eight minutes of this contest, which had a fantastic start. Fares Chaibi’s low shot beat Emi Martínez at his near post after Lionel Messi, the first player to feature in six World Cups, appeared to have given Argentina a dream start. However, Algeria’s exuberant celebrations were soon cut short.
But Messi would not be turned down. La Pulga drove at the center of the opposition defense thanks to a slide-rule pass from Rodrigo De Paul. In the 17th minute, the defending champions took the lead thanks to a vicious left-footed drive into the top corner.
Algeria’s Amine Gouiri and Anis Hadj Moussa were forced to chase shadows for extended stretches of time as La Albiceleste comfortably knocked the ball around.
It was to Algeria’s immense credit that they were able to prevent the defending champions from extending their lead after Alexis Mac Allister and De Paul helped Argentina to a combined 68% possession going into halftime.
If one of Chaibi’s three half-chances had found the net, they might have even tied the score before halftime.
Both teams got off to a strong start in the second half, which was consistent with the previous performance. Lautaro Martinez brought out the best in Luca Zidane as Argentina posed a threat once more. Messi was there to seize the opportunity with a straightforward right-foot finish after the goalkeeper spilled Mac Allister’s long-range effort on the hour.
A few minutes later, Zidane made an incredible one-handed stop to tip the ball over the crossbar, denying the No. 10 his hat-trick.
Messi scored his third goal with a low drive from the edge of the area with fifteen minutes remaining, tying Miroslav Klose as the WC’s all-time joint-highest goalscorer (16). This gave Argentina’s quick break the conclusion it deserved.
Argentina has now won 14 of their previous 16 games across all competitions, and Riyad Mahrez’s late free kick that went straight into the wall pretty well summed up Algeria’s evening. It provides an excellent platform for the current champions to defend their championship.
Algeria’s dismal World Cup record, which has seen them win only one of ten games since 1982, persists.
About The Author
