Argentina’s bid to become only the third nation in history to successfully defend a FIFA World Cup title begins on Wednesday when Lionel Messi and La Albiceleste take on Algeria in their Group J opener at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.
Argentina
Four years ago, Argentina’s road to glory in Qatar began with a stunning 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia. While Lionel Scaloni’s side recovered spectacularly to lift the trophy, that shock remains a cautionary tale heading into their title defense.
This time, the reigning world champions arrive in North America looking far more settled. Argentina topped the CONMEBOL qualifying standings for the first time since 2014 and enter the tournament riding a wave of momentum after winning seven consecutive friendlies, scoring
21 goals and conceding just once.
The 2022 champions also produced one of the standout results of qualifying with a commanding 4-1 victory over Brazil in Buenos Aires. Messi finished as Argentina’s top scorer during qualification with eight goals and now returns for what is expected to be his sixth and final World Cup appearance.
The Inter Miami superstar is set to make his 200th international appearance and his record-extending 27th World Cup match. Having recovered from a recent hamstring concern, Messi could also become the first player in history to feature at six different World Cups.
Argentina’s squad remains largely intact from their triumph in Qatar, although left-back Nicolás Tagliafico has been ruled out with a calf injury. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, despite recent finger issues, is expected to start after being cleared by the medical staff.
Algeria
Algeria, however, are not arriving simply to make up the numbers.
The Desert Foxes are back at the World Cup for the first time since 2014 and enter the tournament in encouraging form. Vladimir Petkovic’s side won their African qualifying group comfortably and have impressed in recent friendlies, recording victories over the Netherlands and Bolivia while holding Uruguay to a goalless draw.
Ranked 28th in the world, Algeria boast attacking threats in Riyad Mahrez, Amine Gouiri and Mohammed Amoura, who registered 10 goals and four assists during qualification.
History favors Argentina, who won the only previous meeting between the sides 4-3 in a 2007 friendly — a match that featured Messi’s first international brace. They have also won their last six World Cup matches against African opposition.
Still, Algeria’s defensive organization and recent form suggest Argentina will need to earn their opening three points rather than simply expect them.
