Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0 in their World Cup group-stage opener, with Lionel Messi scoring a hat-trick for all three goals. The victory positioned Argentina strongly for qualification from their group.
Messi's three-goal performance was overshadowed by a controversial incident in the 31st minute when he caught defender Aissa Mandi with his studs while challenging for possession. Referee Simón Marcinak issued no card, and VAR did not intervene.
Former player Eduard Mor analyzed the decision: "The referee was technically wrong, but if he had sent off Messi, the World Cup would have lost the hat-trick and his records. That's the dilemma."
The failure to punish Messi means Argentina retain their star striker for upcoming group matches, directly affecting betting markets that price Argentina's attacking capability and knockout qualification odds.
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