Although superstar forward Lionel Messi’s hat-trick sealed Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, fans slammed full-back Gonzalo Montiel’s performance in the game.
Four years ago, the 29-year-old scored the winning penalty for Argentina in the shootout of the FIFA World Cup final against France. In La Albiceleste’s opening game of the 2026 tournament, however, the right-back had a topsy-turvy evening.
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He failed to track Fares Chaibi’s run in the ninth minute, allowing the youngster to run in behind and sweep the ball past goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. Fortunately for him, VAR flagged Chaibi offside and the goal was disallowed.
At the half-time break, Montiel was taken off for Nahuel Molina, who many believed should have started the game. On X, one fan wrote:
“Montiel saved my life but my lord how is this washed guy starting over Molina.”
Another questioned:
“Montiel thanks for the penalty in 2022, but why is he a starter for Argentina in big 2026???”
One fan analyzed Montiel’s performance from a tactical perspective, comparing his international role to his role at club level. The fan wrote:
“Not convinced at all by Montiel. Part of the issue is at River (Plate) he barely has to do any defending, they dominate the possession and he catches the eye by playing like an extra striker half the time.
Another fan remarked:
“How the hell does that montiel starts a game, that guy lacks football sense.”
A supporter claimed:
“Montiel should not play again this tournament absolutely shi.”
Just minutes into the first half, one fan wrote:
“Take Montiel off right now.”
Argentina‘s second fixture of Group J at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is against Austria, which will be played on Monday (June 22).
Lionel Messi makes history with hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 win vs Algeria at 2026 FIFA World Cup
Argentine icon Lionel Messi made history with a scintillating hat-trick in his side’s 3-0 win over Algeria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In the 17th minute, midfielder Rodrigo De Paul played a stunning line-breaking ball through to Messi. The 38-year-old maestro took a couple of touches before lashing a left-footed effort from long range beyond Algeria keeper Luca Zidane.
In the 60th minute, Alexis Mac Allister’s effort was parried away by Zidane, only for Messi to pounce on the rebound and score his second of the night. He completed his hat-trick in classic fashion, controlling Nico Gonzalez’s low cross before launching a curling strike into the bottom left corner.
The three goals took the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s overall FIFA World Cup tally to 16 goals in 27 games. He matched German icon Miroslav Klose (16 goals in 24 games) as the tournament’s all-time leading scorer.
Messi also became the second player to score at five editions of the World Cup (2006, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026) after Cristiano Ronaldo (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022).
Edited by Aaryan Nagraj