Defending champions Argentina began their World Cup campaign in Kansas City with a 3-0 win over Algeria. Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick and secured all three points. Former Real Madrid goalkeeper Luca Zidane was on the receiving end.
Nico Paz, former Real Madrid Castilla and first team player, made his World Cup debut in this match. Baz entered the game in the final 10 minutes. Lionel Messi has been replaced – after his first World Cup hat-trick. Nico Paz replaced Argentina’s captain, but his involvement was minimal.
Midfielder Como completed all four of his passes and won two out of four ground encounters. Argentina had finished the match by the time Paz entered. There was little he could do. With the score at 3-0, it almost became a routine pass for the Argentine national team.
Enzo Fernandez, another Argentine midfielder frequently linked with Real Madrid, had a better game. No Argentine midfielder made more touches than Fernandes (79), and none of his midfield partners completed more than 63 passes on the night.
