League: MLS Sport: Soccer Country: Argentina Category: Scores & Results

Argentina prepares for World Cup opener against Algeria with Messi's milestone

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 16, 2026, 4:31 AM

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

Argentina prepares for World Cup opener against Algeria with Messi's milestone

Summary

Argentina is set to open the World Cup against Algeria on June 16 at Kansas City's Arrowhead Stadium. Lionel Messi is expected to earn his 200th cap in this match, an achievement that has garnered global attention, as noted by coach Lionel Scaloni. Messi had a minor hamstring issue prior to the tournament but showed no setbacks during training and a recent exhibition match. Argentina aims to defend its World Cup title, a feat accomplished only twice in history, requiring their best performances in this competition.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Messi earns his 200th cap in the World Cup opening match.
•Argentina faces Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City.
•Scaloni emphasizes Messi's importance to the team.
•Only two countries have won consecutive World Cups previously.
•Argentina strives to replicate their success from Qatar 2022.

Latest Updates

4:31 AMYahoo Sports — Scaloni: 'The whole planet' awaits Messi's 200th cap as Argentina opens World Cup against Algeria

What they're saying

"
Lionel Scaloni tends to be pensive about a lot of things, but especially when the subject turns to another Lionel — a much more famous one, arguably the most famous athlete in the world, and one the Argentina coach gets to see on a daily basis. You see, Scaloni has watched Lionel Messi for much of his life. Both of their paths passed through Newell's Old Boys, the historic club that has produced the likes of Maxi Rodriguez, Gabriel Batistuta and the current U.S. coach, Mauricio Pochettino.
— Yahoo Sportsby DAVE SKRETTA

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