Defending champions Argentina begin their 2026 World Cup title defence with a 3-0 victory over Algeria in their opening match. Multiple reports describe Lionel Messi as the central figure, scoring a hat-trick that sets the tone for Argentina’s attack and helps secure a comfortable win. The result leaves Argentina in contention early in the tournament, with accounts noting celebrations by fans, including in Buenos Aires, after the final whistle. While the coverage focuses primarily on Messi’s goals and the scoreline, the overall picture across outlets is consistent: Argentina control the match from the start, Algeria are unable to find a way back, and the contest ends with Argentina winning by three goals to nil. The victory comes as Argentina look to repeat their success from the previous World Cup, and the hat-trick is presented as the key factor in delivering an emphatic start to their campaign.