World Cup 2026: Argentina 3-0 Algeria Player Ratings

Algeria’s return to the FIFA World Cup ended in disappointment as the Desert Foxes suffered a 3-0 defeat to defending champions Argentina in their Group J opener in Kansas City. Despite the scoreline, Algeria showed flashes of quality, particularly during the first half, but Lionel Messi’s record-breaking hat-trick ultimately proved the difference.

Match Report

Argentina entered the tournament as one of the favourites and quickly demonstrated why. Lionel Scaloni’s side controlled possession, moved the ball with confidence, and consistently tested the Algerian defence.

The Desert Foxes worked hard to stay organized and even enjoyed some promising moments going forward through Farès Chaïbi and Ibrahim Maza. Algeria thought they had found a breakthrough at one stage, but their effort was ruled out for offside. However, they struggled to create sustained pressure against a disciplined Argentine backline.

Messi opened the scoring with a trademark finish before adding two more goals to complete a memorable hat-trick. The performance moved the Argentine captain closer to the all-time World Cup scoring record and gave the reigning champions a perfect start to their title defence.

For Algeria, the defeat leaves them needing positive results against Austria and Jordan in their remaining Group J matches.

Algeria Player Ratings

Goalkeeper

Luca Zidane – 6.3

Made several saves and could do little about any of Argentina’s three goals. Despite conceding three times, he prevented an even heavier defeat.

Defence

Aissa Mandi – 7.1

Algeria’s highest-rated starter. The captain battled tirelessly against Argentina’s attack and made several important interventions.

Ramy Bensebaini – 6.6

Showed his experience and was one of the more composed defenders on the night.

Rayan Aït-Nouri – 5.8

Found it difficult to contain Argentina’s movement down his flank.

Rafik Belghali – 5.9

A tough evening defensively as Argentina repeatedly attacked his side.

Midfield

Nabil Bentaleb – 6.7

Worked hard in midfield and tried to keep Algeria competitive in possession.

Hicham Boudaoui – 6.5

Covered plenty of ground before being replaced in the second half.

Ibrahim Maza – 6.2

Showed flashes of skill and creativity but struggled to influence the game consistently.

Attack

Farès Chaïbi – 6.5

One of Algeria’s brighter attacking players and looked willing to take on defenders.

Amine Gouiri – 6.2

Had limited opportunities against a well-organized defence.

Anis Hadj Moussa – 6.6

Displayed energy and direct running before making way after the hour mark.

Substitutes

Riyad Mahrez – 6.7

Added experience and quality after coming on in the second half.

Ramiz Zerrouki – 6.7

Helped bring more control to the midfield battle.

Houssem Aouar – 6.4

Showed flashes of creativity after his introduction.

Mohamed Amoura – 6.4

Worked hard but found chances difficult to come by.

Adil Boulbina – 6.3

Provided fresh legs during the closing stages.

Verdict

Aisaa Mandi emerged with the most credit for Algeria, while Mahrez made a positive impact from the bench. However, Messi’s brilliance proved impossible to contain as Argentina underlined their status as one of the favourites to lift the trophy once again.