Argentina

Argentina, the reigning champions of the FIFA World Cup, have commenced their title defense in the 2026 tournament with a resounding 3-0 victory against Algeria. The match was highlighted by an exceptional performance from their captain, Lionel Messi, who scored a hat-trick, marking his first in a World Cup and tying the tournament's all-time career scoring record. This achievement is particularly significant as it occurred exactly 20 years after his World Cup debut. Messi's record-breaking performance, coupled with Argentina's strong opening win, underscores their status as a major contender in the current tournament. The team's success, driven by their star player, is a key focus in the ongoing World Cup narrative.