Algeria in crisis after Argentina's defeat and controversy with Mahrez

Algeria made a disastrous return to the World Cup, losing 3-0 to Argentina on 20 November 2023. Lionel Messi's hat-trick sealed the team's fate, while Vladimir Petkovic's controversial decision to leave captain on the bench plunged the Desert Foxes into crisis in their group stage opener. The game was dominated by Argentina from the first minute, with Messi taking advantage of Mahrez's absence to dictate the pace.