ARGENTINA

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Algeria captain Mandi praises 'ruthless' Lionel Messi after loss to Argentina

Algeria defender and captain Aissa Mandi has heaped praise on hat-trick hero Lionel Messi following the 3-0 defeat to Argentina in Kansas City on Wednesday.

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Lionel Messi reveals reason behind tears after historic World Cup hat-trick

Lionel Messi revealed that the tears he shed after scoring in Argentina's World Cup opener against Algeria were caused by personal difficulties away from football, following a historic night that saw him equal the tournament's scoring record.

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Lionel Messi scores first FIFA World Cup hat-trick as Argentina cruise past Algeria

Argentina launched their World Cup title defence in emphatic fashion, with captain Lionel Messi producing a historic hat-trick in a commanding victory over Algeria at the Kansas City Stadium.

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Lionel Messi set to start as Argentina launch FIFA World Cup defence

Lionel Messi is expected to start as Argentina begin their defence of the FIFA World Cup, with head coach Lionel Scaloni confident the captain is fully fit and ready to lead.

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Real Madrid's 150 million euros bid for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez rejected

Real Madrid's search for a marquee signing has suffered an early setback after Atletico Madrid rejected a 150 million euros offer for Argentina forward Julian Alvarez.

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Holders Argentina cruise past Honduras in comfortable World Cup warm-up victory

Argentina continued their preparations for the FIFA World Cup with a controlled 2-0 win over Honduras in Texas on Saturday, underlining their depth even without captain Lionel Messi on the pitch.

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