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Algeria captain Aissa Mandi has lamented his team’s defeat to Argentina in their opening fixture of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Completesports.com reports.
The Desert Foxes went down 3-0 to the defending champions at the Kansas City Stadium on Wednesday morning.
Messi Dominate Algeria
Lionel Messi equalled the all-time FIFA World Cup goalscoring record with a hat-trick.
Messi and Algeria’s Fares Chaibi both had efforts ruled out for offside in a breathless opening.
The Argentina’s captain fantastic soon made his mark. Picking up possession 30 yards from goal, he expertly rolled his marker, surged forward and curled a superb finish beyond the grasp of Luca Zidane.
The 38-year-old scored his second on the hour mark.
Zidane failed to hold Alexis Mac Allister’s powerful strike, allowing Messi to pounce on the rebound and finish coolly with his right foot.
He completed his hat-trick with a trademark curling finish from the edge of the area, capping his 200th senior international appearance in style.
Mandi Rues Tough Defeat
Mandi said Messi’s individual brilliance made the difference for Argentina in the thrilling contest.
“What made the difference is that they have a player who is ruthless, almost every chance he gets ends up in the back of the net,” Mandi told FIFA.com.
“He might be the best player of all time. His efficiency is formidable; we knew that. We tried to shut him down as much as possible, but it didn’t work – he was too good for us there.”
By Adeboye Amosu
