Algerian defender Aissa Mandi hailed Lionel Messi after the Argentine's sensational performance on Wednesday. The fans in Kansas City were blessed by one of the greatest of all time as Messi scored a stunning hat-trick in Argentina's 2026 FIFA World Cup opener. Whatever the opposition tried, Messi just ended up outfoxing them with ease. Facing Algeria in Group J, Messi almost scored a goal in the opening stages, but it was ruled offside.
Aissa Mandi hailed Lionel Messi after Argentina's win. (Getty Images via AFP)
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
A few minutes later, Argentina were reminded of their 2022 opening defeat to Saudi Arabia, as Fares Chaibi initially thought he had opened the scoring, only for that to be ruled offside.
The Argentina skipper opened the scoring in the 17th minute, receiving a sensational through ball from Rodrigo De Paul, as he slipped in a perfect pass through the Algerian midfield. The Inter Miami star unleashed a rocket from about 25 yards out, which nicked off the goalkeeper's fingertips and into the top-right corner.
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
{{^usCountry}}
He got his second goal in the 60th minute when the Algerian goalkeeper spilt Alexis Mac Allister's long-range effort. It dropped for Messi, and he slotted it past the goalkeeper with ease. In the 76th minute, he completed his hat-trick with another piledriver of a shot, assisted by substitute Nico Gonzalez.
‘What makes the difference is they have a player who doesn’t forgive’
{{/usCountry}}
{{#usCountry}}
He got his second goal in the 60th minute when the Algerian goalkeeper spilt Alexis Mac Allister's long-range effort. It dropped for Messi, and he slotted it past the goalkeeper with ease. In the 76th minute, he completed his hat-trick with another piledriver of a shot, assisted by substitute Nico Gonzalez.
‘What makes the difference is they have a player who doesn’t forgive’
{{/usCountry}}
Speaking after the match, Mandi said, "What makes the difference is they have a player who doesn’t forgive."
"Almost every chance ends up in the back of the net.
"He’s a player, maybe the best player of all time, so that’s his efficiency, and it’s formidable. We knew it, we tried to limit him as much as possible, but it didn’t work," he added.
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
Messi also drew level with Germany's Miroslav Klose with 16 World Cup goals as joint-World Cup top scorers. He also became the oldest player to get a World Cup hat-trick, exactly 20 years to the day since his first WC goal. He also went past Brazil's Ronaldo's World Cup tally of 15 goals.
Speaking after the match, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni said, "This team knows that anyone can beat us. If you get a little overconfident, any opponent can win. In this World Cup, strange and difficult things are happening. If we do things right, it will be hard to beat us."
"There is a long way to go to try to reach the end. But it is always good to start by winning; that undoubtedly strengthens everything."
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results.
A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.
Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Durand Cup Final Live. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.
Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Durand Cup Final Live. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.
Home/Sports/Football/Lionel Messi leaves Algeria defender speechless after World Cup hat-trick: 'We tried to stop him, but it didn't work'
{{^htLoading}}
Advertisement
{{/htLoading}}
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
{{#usCountry}}{{/usCountry}}
Hindustantimes wants to start sending you push notifications. Click allow to subscribe
