Six days into the 2026 World Cup, many purists believe the tournament truly begins when defending champions Argentina and their iconic star Lionel Messi take the field.

After winning the Qatar World Cup in 2022 in one of the most dramatic finals ever, Argentina begin their quest for a fourth title against Algeria in Kansas City. Lionel Scaloni's side aim to become only the third nation to defend a World Cup, after Italy (1934, 1938) and Brazil (1958, 1962).

This golden era includes Copa America wins before and after Qatar 2022, but uncertainty surrounds the team. Are key players in decline? Has the hunger faded after a period of dominance?

Argentina are no strangers to slow starts, having lost 2-1 to Saudi Arabia four years ago. However, a group containing Algeria, Austria and Jordan offers a chance to ease into the tournament.

Messi, turning 39 on June 24, has been plagued by injuries. He will become the first man to appear in six World Cups. Centre-back Cristian Romero may be rusty after missing the end of the Premier League season with a knee injury.

Algeria, the 2019 AFCON winners, qualified with a record eight wins. Captain Riyad Mahrez leads the team, while 20-year-old forward Ibrahim Maza, nicknamed 'Mazadona', seeks to make his mark.

Algerian fans eye a revenge match against Austria on June 27, 44 years after the 'Disgrace of Gijon' in 1982, when Austria deliberately lost to West Germany, eliminating Algeria.

The sides have met only once before: a 4-3 friendly win for Argentina 19 years ago, where Messi scored his first international double at Camp Nou.

Argentina have won their last five matches; Algeria have four wins, one draw and one loss. Messi will make his 200th international appearance and 27th at the World Cup.

Opta's supercomputer predicts an Argentina win 68.2% of the time, with Algeria's chances at 13.2% and a draw at 18.6%.

Source: www.aljazeera.com