Algerian defender Aissa Mandi praised Lionel Messi after the Argentine's incredible performance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup opener. Messi scored a stunning hat-trick in Argentina's win over Algeria in Group J.
The Inter Miami star opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a rocket from 25 yards out, and added two more goals in the 60th and 76th minutes.
Messi's hat-trick drew him level with Germany's Miroslav Klose as joint World Cup top scorers, and made him the oldest player to achieve the feat.
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni said the team knows they can be beaten if they get overconfident, but is confident they can reach the end of the tournament if they do things right.
