If we do things right, it'll be hard to beat us: Argentina coach Scaloni after 3-0 win over Algeria
Missouri, June 17
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni expressed confidence after Lionel Messi guided the defending champions to a 3-0 win over Algeria with a sensational hat-trick in their campaign opener at the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Tuesday, as per Reuters.
Scaloni also warned against complacency despite the victory, saying Argentina know any team can beat them if they become overconfident. However, he also expressed confidence that Argentina will be difficult to beat if they continue performing well.
"This team knows that anyone can beat us. If you get a little overconfident, any opponent can win. In this World Cup, strange and difficult things are happening. If we do things right it will be hard to beat us," Scaloni said as quoted by Reuters.
Argentina will next face Austria on June 21 and then Jordan on June 27. Scaloni said there is still a long journey ahead in the tournament, but added that starting with a win is important as it boosts the team's confidence and momentum.
"There is a long way to go to try to reach the end. But it is always good to start by winning; that undoubtedly strengthens everything," he said.
Coming to the match, Messi put up a standout performance as he, with the hat-trick, registered his name in the record books for multiple accolades, the most notable being for the joint-most goals in World Cup history. Messi is now tied with Germany's Miroslav Klose on 16 goals in FIFA World Cup history.
He also moved past Brazil's Ronaldo (15 goals), as well as Germany's Gerd Muller and France's Kylian Mbappe, who were both on 14 goals. Notably, Mbappe had earlier equalled Muller's tally with a brace in France's 3-1 win over Senegal earlier in the day.
At 38 years and 357 days, Messi has become the oldest player in men's World Cup history to register both a brace and a hat-trick. In the process, he surpassed Ronaldo to become the oldest player to score a World Cup hat-trick, overtaking Ronaldo's record set at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, where he famously netted a hat-trick against Spain at the age of 33, according to Fox Sports.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As someone who follows both football and cricket, Messi's longevity is remarkable. The hat-trick against Algeria shows his class hasn't dimmed. But I agree with Scaloni - overconfidence is dangerous. Remember how Brazil exited early in 2022? Argentina needs to stay grounded. Wishing them luck against Austria! 🇮🇳⚽
Scaloni is spot on. Tournament football is about consistency, not just one great performance. Argentina's depth is impressive but they can't relax. On a side note, Messi tying Klose's record is historic - as a football fan in India, I never thought I'd see someone match that milestone.
Argentina's performance was clinical, but let's be honest - Algeria played well too. Messi's hat-trick was pure genius though! The way he finds space even at this age... At 38 years and 357 days, he's proving age is just a number. Indian football needs to learn from such professionalism. Scaloni's balanced approach is what we need in our coaches too. 👏
Respect to Messi and Argentina, but I'm a bit skeptical about Scaloni's 'if we do things right' statement. Every team thinks that way. The real test will be against Austria and Jordan. Also, sad to see Mbappe overtaken so quickly - he's been exceptional for France.
Messi breaking records at 38 is just unreal! 🇦🇷 This World Cup is already delivering surprises. Scaloni's humility is refreshing - many coaches would be
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