Washington, June 17 (SANA)ArgentinadefeatedAlgeria3-0  late Tuesday at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, in the opening round of Group J at the2026 FIFA World Cup.

LionelMessigave Argentina the lead in the 17th minute before doubling the advantage in the 60th minute.

The Argentine captain completed his hat-trick in the 76th minute to secure victory for his side and earn three points in their first match of the tournament.

Argentina compete in Group J alongside Algeria, Jordan and Austria. The victory places Argentina in a strong position at the start of the group-stage competition.