Live score Argentina 3-0 Algeria: Messi leads Albiceleste in Group J of the 2026 World Cup

Match information for Argentina vs Algeria today, June 17, 2026

Argentina will face Algeria at 8:00 AM on June 17, 2026, Vietnam time. The match will take place at Kansas City Stadium, USA, as part of Group J of the 2026 World Cup group stage.

This match will be broadcast live on channels and platforms including VTV3, VTV6, VTV9, VTV10, FPTPlay, and TV360. This is a crucial opening match for Argentina in their quest to defend their world championship title, while Algeria aims to spring a surprise against the South American representative.

Fans can watch the Argentina vs. Algeria match live on VTV3 at this address:https://vtvgo.vn/channel/vtv3-1,3.html

Link to VTV6 live broadcast of the Argentina vs Algeria match:https://vtvgo.vn/channel/vtv6-1,13.html

The Argentina vs. Algeria match will also be broadcast on FPTPlay and TV360.

Match report: Argentina vs Algeria - Score: 0-0

90th minute: Added time

The second half had 6 minutes of added time.

84th minute: The game is completely tilted in Argentina's favor.

Algeria have virtually no chance of turning things around. The North African team haven't managed a single shot on target yet, but they have shown some promising signs that could develop further in the remainder of the tournament.

76th minute: Messi completes his hat-trick.

Goal! Messi turned the match into his own stage. From the edge of the penalty area, the Argentine number 10 unleashed a decisive shot, sending the ball straight into the Algerian net to make it 3-0 and complete his hat-trick.

66th minute: Messi nearly scored a third goal.

Messi had a chance to complete a hat-trick, but goalkeeper Luca Zidane made an excellent save to deny the Argentine superstar's shot.

60th minute: Messi scores a brace.

Goal! After Mac Allister's long-range shot was saved by Luca Zidane, Messi reacted quickly to the rebound and easily slotted the ball into the net, making it 2-0 for Argentina.

53rd minute: Luca Zidane makes a save.

De Paul initiated the counter-attack for Argentina, Messi surged forward to support, and Lautaro Martinez waited further up the field. Lautaro then fired a low, angled shot, but Luca Zidane made an excellent save.

50th minute: Messi's curling shot is unsuccessful.

Messi had space to unleash a shot with his favored left foot. However, his familiar curling shot this time didn't make the difference that was expected.

46th minute: The second half begins.

Algeria kicked off to start the second half. The North African team entered the new half trailing by a goal.

End of first half: Argentina leads 1-0

Argentina went into halftime leading Algeria by one goal. Messi's wonder goal was the biggest difference after the first 45 minutes.

45th minute: The first half has 4 minutes of added time.

The referee added four minutes of injury time to the first half. Algeria had extra time to find an equalizer before the break.

44th minute: Chaibi's shot goes over the crossbar.

Chaibi created an opportunity for himself with a skillful turn of the ball. However, his subsequent shot went too high and posed no challenge to goalkeeper Martinez.

40th minute: Martinez makes a save.

Algeria had the most promising attacking move of the match so far. Chaibi turned and unleashed a dangerous shot, but goalkeeper Martinez was alert and made a save for Argentina.

35th minute: Medina continues to create opportunities.

Medina controlled the ball well on the left wing and then attempted to cut inside for Lautaro Martinez. However, the final pass did not reach the Argentinian striker.

33rd minute: Argentina presses

Medina is playing outstandingly on the left flank with his impressive ability to carry the ball forward. Algeria has started to deploy two players to mark him as Argentina continuously exploits this attacking angle.

30th minute: Messi commits a foul.

Messi rushed in to challenge for the ball, but his tackle was deemed a foul by the referee. Algeria were awarded possession after this incident.

25th minute: The match is temporarily stopped for water breaks.

The players had a few minutes to rehydrate during halftime. This was also the time when Algeria needed to adjust as they began to be outplayed by Argentina and struggled to maintain control of the game.

17th minute: Goal! Argentina 1-0 Algeria

Messi received the ball, dribbled a few more steps, and then unleashed a stunning curling shot that nestled into the top corner of the net. This was his 118th goal for Argentina and his sixth World Cup goal of his career.

16th minute: Algeria are marking Messi very tightly.

Messi was constantly pressed by the Algerian players in blue whenever he had the ball. At times, two or three players would rush in to restrict the space of the Argentine superstar.

8th minute: Argentina narrowly avoids defeat.

Maza delivered a delicate through pass for Chaibi to finish and score against Argentina. However, Algeria's goal was disallowed because the linesman raised the flag for offside.

5th minute: Messi's goal is disallowed.

Messi put the ball into the net past Algerian goalkeeper Zidane in his sixth World Cup appearance. However, the assistant referee immediately raised the flag for offside.

5th minute: Messi puts the ball into the net but it's offside.

Messi put the ball into the net past Algerian goalkeeper Zidane. However, the linesman immediately ruled it offside, so the goal was disallowed.

Minute 4: Argentina has their first chance.

Lautaro Martinez created the first notable scoring opportunity for Argentina. He pounced on a cross from Medina but was unable to convert it into a goal.

Minute 3: Argentina launches an early attack.

As expected, Argentina quickly pushed their formation high up the pitch. They started proactively and soon sought to penetrate Algeria's penalty area.

Minute 00: The match begins.

The referee blew the whistle to start the match between Argentina and Algeria in Group J of the 2026 World Cup. Both teams entered the game with high concentration right after the opening whistle.

Football prediction for today: Argentina vs Algeria

Argentina has many reasons to approach the game with a proactive style. In their last six matches, the Albiceleste have won four, drawn one, and lost only one, scoring 10 goals and conceding only 3. This solidity helps the South American team maintain confidence ahead of their opening match in Group J.

The midfield is where Argentina is likely to dominate. De Paul provides energy in tackles, Enzo Fernandez assists with ball circulation, and Mac Allister can link defense and attack.

When the midfield trio is functioning effectively, Messi will have more space to make a difference. The Argentine captain's dribbling skills between the lines remain a crucial weapon, especially against an opponent who tends to defend tightly.

Argentina's attack also boasts several quality options. Lautaro Martinez excels at finishing inside the penalty area, while Julian Alvarez creates pressure with his speed and pressing ability. These options allow the Albiceleste to diversify their approaches to Algeria's goal.

Algeria boasts a remarkable scoring record with 37 goals in their last 20 matches. The African side is also unbeaten in their last six away games, with three wins and three draws. This foundation allows them to confidently pursue a tight defensive counter-attacking strategy.

Nevertheless, Argentina still has the edge thanks to their composure in big matches. If they can control the midfield well and limit Algeria's quick counter-attacks, the reigning world champions have a good chance of securing all three points.

The key match between Argentina and Algeria

The midfield will play a crucial role. Argentina needs to maintain possession through De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, and Mac Allister, thereby reducing Algeria's opportunities to switch play.

The flanks are also noteworthy. Argentina can stretch Algeria's defense with quick passing combinations, before cutting the ball into the center for Messi or other forwards to finish.

For Algeria, quick counter-attacks are a crucial strategy. Mahrez, Gouiri, and Amoura need to make good use of the spaces behind the Argentinian defense, as the North African side will likely struggle to control possession against a stronger opponent.

Predicting the score for Argentina vs Algeria

Argentina has a clear advantage in terms of squad quality, experience, and the ability to control the tempo of the game. Messi and his teammates are capable of consistently applying pressure and gradually creating opportunities against Algeria's defense.

Algeria could make the match unpredictable thanks to their counter-attacking speed and consistent away form. However, if Argentina can maintain their defensive focus, victory will still go to the Albiceleste.

Predicted score: Argentina 2-0 Algeria.

Quoc Duan