Same stage. Same expectation. Same Messi. Argentina opened their World Cup 2026 defence with a statement so loud the whole of Group J heard it - a 3-0 win over Algeria built entirely by their captain.
Lionel Messi did not just score. He settled the nerves, seized control, and put the champions on course before half-time. His first arrived in the 17th minute, a left-footed strike from outside the box curled into the top corner. Arrowhead Stadium erupted. Algeria's game plan wobbled.
The Albiceleste pressed their foot on the throat after the break. Messi doubled the lead in the 60th minute, finishing from the centre of the box with the cold certainty of a man who has done this a thousand times. Algeria chased shadows. Argentina looked like Argentina.
The third was the showstopper. In the 76th minute, Messi completed his hat-trick with another composed finish from the centre of the area. Three goals. One player. Zero doubt. Algeria had been brave, but they had no answer to the greatest problem in world football.
This was not a scrappy opener or a lucky escape. This was the holders announcing themselves. Clean sheet. Three points. A hat-trick for the captain. Everything else in Group J must now go through Argentina.
Final score: Argentina 3, Algeria 0. The defence of the title is underway - and Messi has already written the first chapter.