Defending champions Argentina aim to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back World Cups. Lionel Messi, who turns 39 during the tournament, is set to lead the team in what will be his final World Cup appearance. The Inter Miami star has not retired from international football as many expected after the 2022 triumph.

Messi's physical decline is evident: he is four years older and dealing with a minor hamstring injury. While still scoring for Inter Miami, his minutes will need careful management. His contribution may now be more about presence and set-piece threat than goals. He stated that a 3-0 win over Venezuela in September was his last competitive home match.

The squad retains 17 of the 26 players from the 2022 title win. Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan) remains a top striker, while Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid) provides support. The midfield is stacked with Premier League and La Liga quality: Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Rodrigo De Paul. The defense is solid but lacks top full-backs. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has a strong penalty shootout record.

Emerging talents include Nico Paz and Valentin Barco, but 18-year-old Franco Mastantuono and Alejandro Garnacho were left out. Coach Lionel Scaloni, initially interim in 2018, has built a stable, tactically smart team with two Copa Americas and a World Cup. Argentina topped qualifying, including a 4-1 rout of Brazil.

In Group J, Argentina faces Algeria (ranked 28th), Austria (24th), and debutants Jordan. Complacency is a risk after the 2022 loss to Saudi Arabia. Argentina is expected to reach the semifinals, but Spain and France may be too strong. The tournament runs from June 11; Argentina's first match is June 16 against Algeria.

Source: www.aljazeera.com