Sport: Soccer Country: Argentina Category: Coaching

Argentina prepares for World Cup opener against Algeria with Messi starting

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 16, 2026, 10:28 AM

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

Argentina prepares for World Cup opener against Algeria with Messi starting

Summary

Argentina kicks off its World Cup campaign tonight against Algeria at 10:00 PM Buenos Aires time. Lionel Messi will lead the team from the start, as head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed his captain is fit and essential for the match. Defense remains a concern with uncertainty over whether Lisandro Martínez or Nicolás Otamendi will join Cristian Romero in central defense. Julián Álvarez has returned to full fitness and is expected to be an option from the bench.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Key Details

•Argentina faces Algeria in World Cup opener tonight.
•Lionel Messi confirmed to start in the lineup.
•Scaloni addresses defensive lineup uncertainties.
•Julián Álvarez returns from injury, likely available off the bench.

Latest Updates

10:28 AMYahoo Sports — With Messi and ten others, what will Scaloni's XI be tonight? 🇦🇷🇩🇿

What they're saying

"
Lionel Messi will start tonight in Argentina’s World Cup opener, leading a team that still has a couple of doubts in defense.La Scaloneta gets its World Cup campaign underway. Tonight, from 10:00 PM...
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Soccer