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Argentina's forward #10 Lionel Messi greets Argentina's forward #18 Nico Paz as he leaves the pitch during the 2026 World Cup Group J football match between Argentina and Algeria at the Kansas City Stadium in Kansas City on June 16, 2026. (Photo by JUAN MABROMATA / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
Reigning champions Argentina started their World Cup campaign in Kansas City with a 3-0 win over Algeria. Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick and sealed the three points. Former Real Madrid goalkeeper Luca Zidane was at the receiving end.
Nico Paz, formerly of Real Madrid Castilla and the first team, made his World Cup debut in this game. Paz entered the game for the last 10 minutes. Lionel Messi – after his first World Cup hat-trick – was taken off. Nico Paz filled in for the Argentine captain, but his involvement was minimal.
The Como midfielder completed all four of his passes and won two out of four ground duels. Argentina had wrapped up the game by the time Paz got in. There was not much he could do. At 3-0, it almost became a passing routine for La Albiceleste.
Enzo Fernandez, the other Argentine midfielder frequently linked with Real Madrid, had a better game. No Argentine midfielder had more touches than Fernandez (79), and none of his midfield partners completed more than his 63 passes on the night.
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