Messi plays for Argentina in World Cup opener against Algeria
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 15, 2026, 10:33 PM
Last updated Jun 15, 2026
Argentina faces Algeria in its World Cup opener on June 16 in Kansas City, Missouri, aiming for back-to-back titles. This tournament marks Lionel Messi's sixth and potentially final World Cup appearance as he approaches 39 years old. He is four goals shy of breaking the World Cup scoring record but is dealing with muscle fatigue. Argentina looks to replicate Brazil's feat from 1962 by winning consecutive championships. Other matches scheduled on the same day include France vs. Senegal and Iraq vs. Norway.
- •Argentina opens World Cup against Algeria on June 16
- •Messi may be playing in his last World Cup
- •Argentina aims for consecutive titles since 1962
- •France plays Senegal, while Norway faces Iraq
- •Spain manages a goalless draw with Cape Verde
- 10:33 PMYahoo Sports — World Cup what to know: Argentina's Lionel Messi kicks off expected last hurrah against Algeria
"Argentina's bid to become the first back-to-back World Cup champion in 62 years begins on Tuesday. The match against Algeria in Kansas City, Missouri, also marks the start of the sixth and possibly final World Cup for Lionel Messi. Messi added the one thing missing from his impressive resume with the 2022 World Cup win in Qatar.
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