Messi scores a great goal and Argentina opens the scoring against Algeria in the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Argentina came ahead of Algeria in the debut of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with a great goal from Lionel Messi in the 16th minute of the first half. The move that changed the score to 1-0 occurred in Kansas City, and the match remains electrifying, with the current world champions looking to consolidate their advantage while the Algerian team tries to recover.
High Expectations for the World Champions’ Debut
The Argentine team stepped onto the pitch with the weight of being the current holder of the world title, and all eyes were on Lionel Messi, who is celebrating his sixth appearance in the World Cup. This edition marks a record for the star, increasing his number of games played to 27, a feat that few can achieve. Expectations were high to see how Algeria, a team with less tradition in World Cups, would behave against such a powerful opponent, remembering Saudi Arabia’s surprising victory over Argentina in the Qatar Cup.
The game previews also highlighted the performance of other world football stars. Even before the ball rolled in Kansas City, names like Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland had already found the net twice each in their respective matches. The question that hung in the air was whether Messi would be able to keep up with the frenetic pace set by his rivals, adding more chapters to his already legendary career in the competition. Argentine fans, in particular, were eagerly awaiting Messi’s “last tango” in World Cups, as he approaches 39 years of age.
🚨🌎 MESSI OPENS THE SCORING FOR ARGENTINA! WHAT A FANTASTIC GOAL! 🤯🤯
— Tekkers Foot (@tekkersfoot) June 17, 2026
Argentina 1-0 Algeria.pic.twitter.com/aVA5yg4x6X
The First Moves of the Match
The opening whistle kicked off the decisive clash, with Argentina being responsible for the ball. In the opening minutes, the emphasis was on caution, with both teams seeking to adjust their markings and strategies on the field. The game was studied, with few clear chances to score and a lot of competition for control of the midfield. The intensity was remarkable, and the scenario promised strong emotions as the match unfolded.
Even in the first moments, Lionel Messi showed his usual disposition, actively participating in the game. Argentina’s number 10 did not limit himself to the attack and made an important tackle in the defense field, demonstrating that he was committed to all phases of the game. Soon after, Argentina created their first opportunity: Almada crossed from the left, and Lautaro Martínez headed the ball into the goal, requiring an easy save from Luca Zidane, Algerian goalkeeper and son of the legendary Zinedine Zidane.
Disallowed Goals and Crucial Moves at the Start of the Game
The confrontation gained in drama with goals disallowed for both sides, keeping the tension in the air. In the 5th minute, Lionel Messi received a precise pass from Lautaro Martínez in the small area, controlled the ball with skill and finished without a chance for Luca Zidane. However, the Argentine joy was short-lived, as the referee, with the help of VAR, confirmed the star’s offside, invalidating what would have been the first goal of the match. Shortly afterwards, it was Algeria’s turn to have a goal disallowed due to a millimeter offside, after a beautiful first-time shot by Chaïbi, who had received a great pass from Ibrahim Maza.
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Argentina tried to maintain possession of the ball and find spaces in the opposing defense, but Algeria’s marking proved to be a challenge. In the 13th minute, Almada received the ball on the edge of the area with the potential to create a dangerous play, but his touch to Lautaro Martínez was inaccurate, resulting in the ball going out across the baseline. The difficulty in breaking through the Algerian blockade was evident, and Argentina continued exchanging passes in midfield, looking for the best way to overcome the opposing defense.
Messi Shines and Opens the Score in the World Cup
In the 16th minute of the first half, the scenario completely changed with the genius of Lionel Messi. The striker received a sweet pass from Rodrigo de Paul at the edge of the area, turned quickly and delivered a powerful shot that was placed into Luca Zidane’s left corner. The Algerian goalkeeper still managed to touch the ball, but it was not enough to prevent the great goal that opened the scoring for Argentina, sending the fans into a frenzy and consolidating Argentina’s dominance.
This goal not only gave Argentina the lead, but also marked Messi’s 14th in World Cups, an impressive feat that puts him in the competition’s history. With this mark, the Argentine star is tied for third place in the overall scoring charts, alongside legends such as former German striker Gerd Müller and French phenomenon Kylian Mbappé, who also found the net twice recently. Ahead of them, only Brazilian Ronaldo remains, with 15 goals, and record holder Miroslav Klose, who has 16. The race for the World Cup’s historic artillery promises to be one of the great spectacles of this edition.
Argentine Domination After the Goal and Continuity of the Match
After the opening of the scoring, Argentina maintained the intensity and dominance of the match, controlling the actions and looking for new opportunities. At 20 minutes, the team showed confidence, exchanging passes and dictating the pace of the game, without giving Algeria a chance to react. This offensive and controlling posture was a demonstration of the current champions’ ambition to guarantee a victorious debut.
A few minutes later, at 22, Argentina demonstrated the solidity of their marking. The team put pressure on Algeria’s ball, forcing the opponents to make mistakes and easily regaining possession in the attacking field. This aggressive marking was crucial to maintain the pressure and avoid any attempt at a counterattack by Algeria, consolidating the South American team’s superiority in the first third of the opening stage. The game is still underway, promising more emotions in the next few minutes.
Timeline: Bids from the First 25 Minutes of the Game
Follow the main moments of the match between Argentina and Algeria, minute by minute, until the 24th minute of the first half:
- 00′ 1T:Argentina gives the ball away, starting the confrontation.
- 02′ 1T:Messi participates in the defense field and makes a tackle, showing his willingness.
- 03′ 1T:Lautaro Martínez heads in Almada’s cross, and Luca Zidane makes the save without difficulty.
- 05′ 1T:Messi’s goal is disallowed for offside, after receiving a pass from Lautaro Martínez.
- 07′ 1Q:Goal by Chaïbi, from Algeria, is disallowed for offside, with the help of VAR.
- 10′ 1T:Enzo Fernández makes a strong tackle on Boudaoui, but does not receive a card.
- 11′ 1T:Messi appears on the right flank and manages another defensive tackle.
- 13′ 1T:Almada plays poorly to Lautaro Martínez at the edge of the area, and the ball goes out across the baseline.
- 15′ 1T:Argentina exchanges passes in the middle, but finds it difficult to overcome the Algerian marking.
- 16′ 1T:GOOOOOOOOL FROM ARGENTINA! Messi receives it from Rodrigo de Paul and scores a great goal, opening the scoring for Argentina.
- 20′ 1T:Argentina maintains control of the match even after Messi’s goal.
- 22′ 1T:Argentina marks the ball out of Algeria, forces the error and regains possession with ease.
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