World Cup 2026 / Argentina 3-0 Algeria: "It's hard to mark Messi": Ramy Bensebaïni admits

Ramy Bensebaïni's immediate reaction after Algeria's defeat to Argentina

Africa 17 June 2026 at 07:46

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World Cup 2026 / Argentina 3-0 Algeria: "It's hard to mark Messi": Ramy Bensebaïni admits

16.06.26 FT World Cup

Argentina

Algeria

Outplayed by Argentina in their World Cup 2026 opener, Algeria paid a heavy price for their mistakes against a side led by an exceptional Lionel Messi. After the match, Ramy Bensebaïni gave a candid assessment of the Greens' performance.

Following Algeria's heavy 3-0 defeat to Argentina in their World Cup opener, Ramy Bensebaïni did not hide his disappointment. However, the Fennecs defender acknowledged just how tough it is to face the reigning world champions and stressed the need to quickly focus on the upcoming fixtures.

The Borussia Dortmund player reflected on how the match unfolded:

"We knew it was going to be a tough game against the reigning champions. We tried to press them but it was complicated. They managed to play out from the back. After the first goal, we tried to push higher but they scored a second, we pushed even more but just couldn't figure out how to really trouble them—it was difficult."

Indeed, Bensebaïni also pointed out his team's lack of experience, while highlighting the constant threat posed by Lionel Messi:

"I think yes, we lacked experience in this match. We have to remember we're a young team with new players coming in. We played Argentina and now there are still two matches left, and we'll give everything in those."

He then added:

"Yes, it's hard to mark Messi. He always finds space behind us and it was difficult for us to keep track of him and anticipate what he'd do. We tried to manage him, but it just wasn't enough."