A Lionel Messi masterclass gave Algeria a nightmare start, while a spirited Senegal were outdone by Kylian Mbappe magic.
Algeria 0-3 Argentina
Algeria’s World Cup got off to the worst possible start as Lionel Messi’s hat-trick condemned them to a heavy 3-0 defeat in Kansas City.
Goalkeeper Luca Zidane was given little protection as Messi struck in the 17th, 60th and 76th minutes.
Algeria sit bottom of Group J on zero points and minus three goal difference. They face Austria next on 21 June, a far more winnable fixture.
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Senegal 1-3 France
Senegal pushed France hard but ultimately fell 3-1 in New Jersey. Ibrahim Mbaye’s stoppage-time consolation came too late after Kylian Mbappe’s double either side of a Bradley Barcola strike.
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Nicolas Jackson was a constant threat for the Lions of Teranga, hitting the post in the first half. Senegal sit third in Group I on zero points and minus two goal difference. They face Norway next on 22 June.
Belgium 1-1 Egypt
Egypt were minutes from a historic first World Cup win before Romelu Lukaku’s introduction changed the contest in Seattle. Emam Ashour’s stunning 19th-minute strike had Egypt dreaming, only for a Mohamed Hany own goal – forced by Lukaku just 22 seconds after coming on – to rescue a point for Belgium.
Mohamed Salah, deployed in a number 10 role, was Egypt’s standout performer and provided the assist for Ashour’s goal. Both sides sit level on one point in Group G. Egypt face Iran next on 20 June.
Picture: X/@WorldCupMedia
