• Share
  • Tweet

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.

Ruben Dias sparks Portugal injury concern ahead of FIFA World Cup opener against DR Congo

Man City World Cup 2026 Watch: Erling Haaland stars in Norway’s opening game victory over Iraq

You may like

  • Latest
  • Trending
  • Videos

Man City World Cup 2026 Watch: Abdukodir Khusanov’s Uzbekistan fall short in group-stage opener

Man City World Cup 2026 Watch: Antoine Semenyo’s dream ending to Ghana vs Panama

Man City World Cup 2026 Watch: Six Etihad Stadium stars clash in England vs Croatia

The BIG World-Cup Preview!

Manchester City undergo scouting mission on Juventus midfielder

Exclusive: Manchester City Plan Major Etihad Stadium Stand Redevelopment

SEASON REVIEW SO FAR! – LIVE

PLAYER RATINGS | Man City 1-2 Brentford

MAN CITY vs BRENTFORD – LIVE Watchalong

Trending

  • Academy2 days ago Paris Saint-Germain centre-back to join Manchester City on five-year contract
  • Transfers3 days ago Enzo Maresca suffers transfer market defeat to Real Madrid as Man City continue Chelsea compensation talks
  • Transfers3 days ago Senior Premier League executives hold transfer market fear as Elliot Anderson nears record Man City move
  • News3 days ago Josko Gvardiol makes club plans clear amid Man City contract talks and Real Madrid interest

Source: Cityxtra.co.uk