KANSAS CITY, U.S. – As defending World Cup champions get set to kick off their 2026 tournament campaign against Algeria on Tuesday, all global eyes are fixed on Argentine icon Lionel Messi, according to head coach Lionel Scaloni. The 38-year-old legend is on the cusp of making history, set to become the first player in modern history to compete at six men’s World Cup tournaments, a full four years after he lifted the iconic golden trophy in Qatar to deliver Argentina’s third world title.
Last month, a wave of concern washed over the Argentine camp after Messi was forced to exit Inter Miami’s 6-4 victory over Philadelphia Union early with muscle fatigue, sparking fears over his fitness ahead of the expanded 48-team World Cup. Those worries have since been put largely to rest, however: Messi made his successful return to the pitch last week during Argentina’s final pre-tournament warm-up friendly against Iceland, coming off the bench to turn in a sharp 20-minute performance that included a converted penalty goal in a winning effort.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on the eve of the opening group stage clash, Scaloni emphasized that Messi’s appeal stretches far beyond Argentina’s borders. “Everyone wants to see him out on the pitch, not just Argentinians, because of the impact he has on people,” the coach said. “He has always been crucial for us and now he will be even more so. He looks good.”
Veteran center-back Nicolas Otamendi, who will be playing in his fourth World Cup alongside Messi, echoed that sentiment, highlighting the captain’s relentless competitive drive that has lifted the national team for more than a decade. “He’s a competitive animal,” Otamendi said of Messi. “He makes you keep trying, he doesn’t let you relax. We enjoy every moment with him. He is a humble person who enjoys the team gatherings and training sessions.”
While Messi’s fitness is no longer a major question, Scaloni did face other last-minute injury concerns surrounding starting goalkeeper Emi Martinez and star forward Julian Alvarez. According to the coach, both players have recovered sufficiently and are cleared to start Tuesday’s matchup in Kansas City.
Argentina enters the opening match with hard-won perspective from their 2022 Qatar run, when they suffered a shocking opening group stage defeat to Saudi Arabia before rallying to claim the title. Scaloni stressed that the opening result is not the final word on a team’s tournament hopes, even as he acknowledged its importance. “The last World Cup taught us that the opening game isn’t decisive. It’s important, sure, but we have the peace of mind of knowing it doesn’t end there,” he said. “We’re about to face a very good team with great players, but we’re in good shape, we’re confident and we’re arriving in good form.”
The first matches of the expanded 48-team World Cup have already served as a warning to top European and South American sides, as African nations have proven their ability to compete with the world’s elite. On Monday, tournament debutants Cape Verde held 2010 World Cup champions Spain to a goalless draw, while 2022 semi-finalists Morocco secured a 1-1 draw against five-time World Cup winners Brazil.
Scaloni drew a direct parallel between Algeria and Morocco, noting that the African side poses a similar tough test for the defending champions, and warned his squad against complacency. “Algeria is an opponent similar to Morocco. They have great players and a great coach. The Brazil-Morocco match is a good example of why we can’t be overconfident. We’ve already seen with Spain that there are no easy opponents. Those teams have earned their place at the World Cup, and Algeria concerns us because they are a great team.”