Scaloni: ‘The whole planet’ awaits Messi’s 200th cap as Argentina opens World Cup against Algeria
Lionel Messi is set for a record sixth World Cup as Argentina seeks back-to-back titles and warns against another opening-match upset.
- On Tuesday, reigning champions Argentina begin their World Cup title defense against Algeria at Kansas City's Arrowhead Stadium, with captain Lionel Messi leading the team in his record-breaking sixth World Cup appearance.
- Argentina seeks to become the first nation to win consecutive World Cups since Brazil in 1962, aiming to avoid the complacency that caused their stunning 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia in their 2022 opening match.
- Coach Lionel Scaloni will finalize his starting eleven following Monday night's training, confirming that while left-back Nicolas Tagliafico manages a muscle tear, "Nobody else has a serious injury."
- Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic acknowledged, "Of course we're not favorites for this match," yet expressed belief in potential upsets, with rising star Ibrahim Maza confident his team can challenge the reigning champions.
- Messi needs four goals to surpass German legend Miroslav Klose's World Cup record of 16; widely expected to be his international farewell, this tournament offers the 39-year-old a final chance to cement his legacy in the expanded 48-team event.
104 Articles
104 Articles
Unusual places host strong footballers during these World Championships; in Kansas he cheers for Algeria
What keeps Lionel Messi going? Argentina icon chases one final World Cup dream at 38
There is a strange burden that comes with getting everything you ever wanted.For more than 15 years, Lionel Messi carried the weight of expectation on his shoulders. Every goal, every trophy and every dazzling performance was measured against one lingering question: could he do it for Argentina on the biggest stage of all?Then, three-and-a-half years ago, came Qatar.When Messi lifted the World Cup trophy beneath the lights of Lusail Stadium in D…
The wait for the current world champion is over. On Tuesday night, in Kansas City, the Argentine team will debut in the 2026 World Cup, facing Algeria. The desire to retain the crown is installed in the trans-Andean painting, syndicated as one of the main aspirants to the title. For that eagerness, the presence of Lionel Messi is vital. He is the driver of the so-called “Scaloneta.” A virtue that has permeated Lionel Scaloni to the Albicel cast …
By Federico Leiva, CNN en Español. Argentina is ready to begin its title defense at the FIFA World Cup, which it won in Qatar in 2022. Once again captained by Lionel Messi, the Albiceleste are in Group J, where they are the overwhelming favorites to finish first. Tuesday, June 16, Kansas City Stadium, 9 p.m. Miami time and 10 p.m. Buenos Aires time. The Albiceleste will kick off their dream run against a formidable opponent, Algeria, who comfort…
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