Defending world champions Argentina made a regal start on the global stage, sweeping Algeria aside 3-0. Lionel Messi lit up Kansas with his first World Cup hat-trick in his 200th international match. The maestro duly earned a 10 out of 10 in the match ratings from the football website Goal.com.
After such a commanding start from the champions, supporters were curious to know how the rest of the Albiceleste players performed on Messi’s magical night. Here is a breakdown of the performances of Lionel Scaloni’s side, according to Goal.com’s ratings:
Emiliano Martinez (7/10): With Algeria’s attack unable to break Argentina’s defence all match, “Dibu” was not given a stern test. But he was highly effective in distributing the ball through passing and back-passes. He had to clear the ball only once in the full 90 minutes.
Lisandro Martinez (8/10): He was outstanding in defence today, a wall of China. He gave Algeria’s forwards no chance at all. Battling superbly, he cleared the ball four times, made two clean tackles and one interception to break up the opponents’ attacks early.
Cristian Romero (7/10): Algeria managed only one shot on target in the match, proof of how solid the Romero-Lisandro partnership was. He marshalled the defence and snuffed out four dangerous attacks. He was replaced by Otamendi in the 79th minute.
Facundo Medina (7/10): Handed an opportunity in the absence of Nicolas Tagliafico, he played a big role in bottling up the opposing wingers. The defender made two successful tackles, one block and cleared the ball once during the match.
Gonzalo Montiel (7/10): He held his position in the first half and contributed well in defence. But as part of the coach’s pre-planned strategy, he was taken off at the start of the second half and Nahuel Molina was brought on.
Rodrigo De Paul (8/10): As ever, De Paul was the tireless guard and engine in midfield. He touched the ball 68 times in 90 minutes and completed 92 percent of his passes. The assist for Lionel Messi’s dazzling first goal also came from his pass.
Alexis Mac Allister (7/10): He played well in both attack and defence, with and without the ball. Along with 94 percent passing accuracy, he made one successful tackle, six recoveries and two clearances. Messi’s second goal effectively came from his low shot.
Enzo Fernandez (7/10): As usual he played precise, cool-headed football in his passing. He was effective throughout the match in retaining possession in midfield and keeping the attack moving.
Thiago Almada (6/10): He tried to get into Algeria’s box with pace down the left wing. But apart from sharpening a few early attacks, the winger made little special contribution for the rest of the match.
Lionel Messi (10/10): The whole match was simply “Messi magic.” He touched the ball 57 times, completed 30 passes and created two fine chances. As well as keeping the opposition busy in the penalty box, he took six shots, four of them on target and three of them goals. After such a performance, even the critics had no choice but to give him 10 out of 10.
Lautaro Martinez (5/10): On a night of a big win for the team, the lone disappointment was Lautaro. In his 55 minutes on the pitch the Inter Milan forward was well off his usual rhythm. He repeatedly hesitated between shooting and passing. He failed to create any goal-scoring chance or open space for the team in attack.
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