France, June 17 -- Algeria, back at a World Cup for the first time since 2014, struggled to contain the defending champions as Messi reached 16 goals in football's biggest competition during his record sixth appearance at the tournament.

Argentina are aiming to become the first nation since Pele's Brazil in 1962 to retain the World Cup trophy.

Algeria faced a difficult assignment against the reigning champions and coach Vladimir Petkovic made a surprise selection call by leaving captain Riyad Mahrez on the bench in favour of Hadj Moussa.

Petkovic set up his side in an ambitious 4-4-2 formation with Amine Gouiri and Ibrahim Maza leading the attack and instructions to press high up the pitch.

Argentina thought they had gone ahead after ...