Lionel Messi controversially avoided a red card for a tackle on Algerian captain Aïssa Mandi during Argentina’s 3-0 World Cup win, allowing him to complete a hat-trick and tie Miroslav Klose’s record for most World Cup goals, as Argentina remains a strong contender for the title.

Argentina began their defense of the World Cup title won in Qatar 2022 on Tuesday with a 3-0 thrashing of Algeria, in the Group J opener of the 2026 World Cup, played at Arrowhead…

Lionel Messi received a standing ovation as he left the field after scoring his first ever World Cup hat-trick in Argentina's clash with Algeria.