Algeria defender and captain Aissa Mandi has heaped praise on hat-trick hero Lionel Messi following the 3-0 defeat to Argentina in Kansas City on Wednesday.
Argentina launched their World Cup title defence in emphatic fashion, with captain Lionel Messi producing a historic hat-trick in a commanding victory over Algeria at the Kansas City Stadium.
Algeria received a boost ahead of their FIFA World Cup opener against Argentina after Vladimir Petkovic extended his contract as head coach until July 2028.
Anis Hadj Moussa scored a superb late winner as Algeria stunned the Netherlands 1-0 in Rotterdam, ending the Dutch side's 10-match unbeaten run ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Algeria have recalled Nabil Bentaleb for their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, the midfielder set to join the national team for the first time since October 2025.
Granada and Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane suffered a serious facial injury for his Spanish side that has jeopardised his chances of playing at the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.