Messi hat-trick sinks Algeria in World Cup opener

Argentina 3–0, Messi ran the night

Your team opened their World Cup with a heavy defeat Tuesday night in Kansas City. Argentina won 3–0 in Group J, and Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick in his 200th international appearance (1) (2) (3). Ibrahim Maza made his World Cup debut in the match (1). The tournament favorites were simply too sharp.

The camp is not broken

The mood is bruised but not shattered. French outlet RMC Sport reports the squad "gardent espoir", they still believe they can bounce back (2). The message coming out of the camp is straightforward: this group can still fight for the knockout spots. The next two matches will define everything.

Man City watching Maza

Manchester City are monitoring Ibrahim Maza, the 20-year-old who started against Argentina (1). They are also tracking Everton's Iliman Ndiaye alongside Manchester United, Chelsea, and Arsenal (1) (4).

Ndiaye sale talks after the World Cup

Everton may be forced to sell Iliman Ndiaye this summer, with talks scheduled once Algeria's tournament ends (1). City are in the mix, but so are several Premier League rivals (4). A strong World Cup could drive his price up.

Fan-reaktioner

Algerian fans online are reacting to Messi's hat-trick with a mix of frustration and grudging respect. A clip of Argentinian TV commentaries on his first goal is circulating, and there is serious anger about a 30th-minute foul by Messi that went unpunished, no yellow, no red. Many are calling it a clear card. See the foul discussion here.