Goals & Key Events
The defending World Champions began their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a statement victory at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, a city with a uniquely large Argentinian and Algerian diaspora that made for an electric, near-capacity atmosphere of 65,326 fans. Lionel Messi — playing in what is expected to be his final FIFA World Cup — was the architect of the victory, producing a performance of masterful control, vision and occasional brilliance that silenced any questions about his age and fitness.
Argentina head into the tournament as defending World Champions and clear favourites in Group J. Algeria, making their return to the World Cup after missing out in 2022, were determined to make an impression — and did so briefly in the first half, drawing level before Messi's intervention turned the match.
First Half: Algeria's Brave Equalizer
Argentina started as expected — patient in possession, looking for Messi in the pockets between the lines. Julián Álvarez gave them the lead in the 23rd minute with a powerful header from a trademark Messi delivery from the left flank. Messi's cross was delivered with the curl and precision that only he can produce at this stage — drifting perfectly onto Álvarez's forehead at the far post.
For a few minutes, it looked like a comfortable evening was in store for Lionel Scaloni's side. Then, Algeria reminded the football world why they should never be underestimated. Anis Hadj Moussa, the Bayer Leverkusen winger who has emerged as one of Europe's most exciting young talents, collected a ball in his own half, drove 40 yards at full pace and struck a precise, low shot inside Emiliano Martínez's near post. The Argentina goalkeeper had been given little warning and no chance.
1-1 at half-time. The Algerian fans in Miami erupted. Argentina's players walked off the pitch to a quieter-than-expected reception — a signal that more was required.
Second Half: Messi Decides It
Twelve minutes into the second half, Algeria's defender Ramy Bensebaïni committed a needless foul on Álvarez just outside the penalty area — 22 yards from goal, slightly to the left of centre. The positioning was unfortunate for Algeria: it was Messi's territory.
The Argentina captain placed the ball. He took five steps back, cast a glance at the wall, and struck a curling, dipping free-kick that sailed over the wall and nestled in the top-right corner of the net. Goalkeeper Raïs M'Bolhi was motionless — he had been beaten by pure artistry. 2-1 to Argentina. The bench erupted. The Argentinian section of Hard Rock Stadium shook.
"That free-kick — it was not just a goal. It was a statement. He is 38 years old and still doing things nobody else in football can do." — ESPN analyst Alejandro Moreno, post-match
Algeria pushed for another equalizer and found themselves exposed. In the 78th minute, a long ball over the top caught Algeria's defensive line too high. Lautaro Martínez raced in behind, was clipped by the retreating Djamel Benlamri, and the referee immediately pointed to the spot. Martínez converted with composure. 3-1 Argentina. Game over.
Player Ratings: Argentina
Tactical Analysis: How Scaloni Set Up the Win
Scaloni deployed his trusted 4-3-3 system, but gave Messi extraordinary freedom to drift from his nominal right-wing position into central areas. This created a constant puzzle for Algeria's midfield — if they tracked Messi centrally, it opened space on the right for Molina's overlapping runs. If they dropped to cover Molina, Messi found pockets between the lines to receive and turn.
Algeria's problem was a lack of a midfield pivot capable of containing both Messi and Enzo Fernández simultaneously. The Benfica midfielder had his best performance in a World Cup jersey, covering huge amounts of ground and connecting Argentina's defence with their attack in seamless fashion.
What This Means for Group J
Argentina move top of Group J with three points. Their remaining fixtures — against Canada and Morocco — look favourable on paper, though both sides are capable of causing an upset. Algeria, despite the defeat, showed enough quality to cause problems in their remaining matches. Hadj Moussa, in particular, is a player of genuine World Cup quality who will terrify other Group J defences.
For Messi and Argentina, the mission is clear: win the group and protect the aging captain for the knockout rounds. That free-kick in the 57th minute was a reminder that even at 38, Lionel Messi remains the most magical player on the planet.