In their first group game, Argentina made light work of Algeria as they defeated the North African side by a score of 3-0. However, the most striking part of the match was not even the victory. It was the fact that Messi scored all of Argentina’s goals and equalled yet another record.
According to Reuters, with the help of his impressive hat-trick, Messi equalled the all-time record for goals at the World Cup. Namely, Miroslav Klose holds the honour of being the top scorer with 16 goals while Messi now shares the record thanks to his efforts against Algeria. It might be enough on its own. However, there is much more. First of all, this is Messi’s 200th cap as he represented Argentina in six World Cups already.
Messi opened the scoring in the 17th minute only to extend his team’s lead in the 60th. Finally, he sealed the win for Argentina in the 76th minute. Algeria did not really stand a chance once the South Americans took control of the tempo. It certainly cannot be seen as an upset or even a tight match when the favourite easily beats the underdog.
For bettors, the implications are evident although this is hardly news for Argentina or Messi. In any case, Argentina beating Algeria is expected but Messi delivering such a performance certainly is something to think about when it comes to player markets and the Golden Boot competition, among other things.
There is also the emotional aspect of it. Messi is almost 39 years old, and each match of the World Cup for him is like another step towards its finale. This certainly does not mean that one should judge Argentina’s performance based on nostalgic sentiments alone because the team remains competitive, has a system, and also possesses a player who can take an ordinary group game to legendary status.
Argentinians now have reason to head towards their next group match in good spirit, while Algeria have to get back to form. In any case, for neutral supporters, this is precisely the kind of beginning which makes the tournament’s headlines from an early stage. But for the South Americans, there was no better start than a win, a shutout, and Messi putting everyone back in their place.
New Zealand bettors interested in checking out World Cup odds via betting apps in NZ may do so ahead of the next round of games.
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Sophia Novakivska