Man City World Cup 2026 Watch: Rayan Ait-Nouri and Algeria downed by Lionel Messi hat-trick

Rayan Ait-Nouri played the full 90 minutes as Algeria were handed a 3-0 defeat in their opening FIFA World Cup Group J fixture by Argentina.

Lionel Messi stole the show with a stupendous hat-trick to kick off the tournament in supreme fashion for the reigning World Cup champions, who edged past Kylian Mbappe and France on penalties in the final of the 2022 edition of the tournament.

Ait-Nouri impressed individually though, often attempting to threaten on the left flank and deliver dangerous balls into the box as the African outfit tried to slice open a resolute Argentinian defence.

However, the holders dug deep to manage a shutout and Messi did the rest, waving his hand and securing a first-ever World Cup treble to send a strong message to all nations vying to dethrone Lionel Scaloni‘s men in North America.

Rayan Ait-Nouri match statistics vs Argentina

Minutes played – 90
Expected assists (xA) – 0.01
Accurate passes – 39/47 (83%)
Defensive contributions – 6
Touches – 81
Touches in opposition box – 1
Successful dribbles – 1/3 (33%)
Passes into final third – 7
Accurate crosses – 0/3 (0%)
Accurate long balls – 0/3 (0%)
Dispossessed – 3
Defensive contributions – 6
Clearances – 1
Headed clearance – 1
Interceptions – 1
Recoveries – 6
Fouls committed – 1
Ground duels won – 6/11 (55%)
Was fouled – 1

Data courtesy of FotMob.