16 June,2026 08:51 AM IST | Kansas City | Agencies
Lionel Messi trains ahead of Argentina’s tie vs Algeria on Saturday. Pic/AFP
Lionel Messi could have signed off from World Cup football on the ultimate high in 2022, but he's back and poised to become the first man to play in six tournaments when Argentina face Algeria in their clash here on Tuesday.
After initially admitting he had doubts over whether he'd play another World Cup, Messi was ultimately unable to resist the lure of football's biggest stage.
Messi remains Argentina's talisman as the three-time champions seek to become the first nation to retain the World Cup since Brazil in 1962.
"I've been enjoying it from the beginning. I'm happy, enjoying every moment and excited as always," he said after last week's 3-0 friendly win against Iceland. Alongside him, Argentina have a spine filled with experienced players like Nicolas Otamendi, Nicolas Tagliafico, Enzo Fernandez, Lautaro Martinez, and Alexis Mac Allister.
The first hurdle on their path to defending their title comes in the form of Algeria, for whom Riyad Mahrez remains the danger-man in attack. The talented Ibrahim Maza, 20, will also be looking to seize his moment to shine.
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