Argentina vs Algeria Preview: Messi vs Mahrez, Argentina Faces Tough Battle

At 9:00 Beijing time on June 17, the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico will see Group J's first round match, with defending champions Argentina taking on North African side Algeria.

Key match points for Argentina vs Algeria are as follows:

First:Team Overview! Argentina is ranked No.1 in the world, with a total squad value of 808 million euros, an average age of 28.7 years, 19 players from top five leagues, and is the reigning World Cup champion, making it a three-star Argentina. Messi is playing in his sixth World Cup, which is likely his last dance on the big stage; he scored 8 goals in the qualifiers and is in great form. Alvarez, valued at 100 million euros, will be Messi's strike partner, with Enzo and Mac Allister providing technical support for Messi, while De Paul and others offer protection. Algeria is ranked No.27 in the world, with a total squad value of 257 million euros, an average age of 26.5 years, 11 players from top five leagues, and Mahrez is the team's top scorer. The highest-valued player in the squad is Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Maza (45 million euros). Algeria possesses strong squad strength.

Second:Messi vs Mahrez: Argentina Faces Tough Battle! Messi will undoubtedly become the first player to appear in six World Cups. Argentina's greatest strength now is Messi at the helm, with a very united team where teammates are willing to run extra for him, allowing Messi to launch deadly through balls and orchestrate attacks. The first World Cup match is never easy; all four games on June 16 Beijing time ended in draws, including Spain 0-0 Cape Verde (newcomers), the top favorite to win the tournament. Additionally, many Algerian players are active in the Bundesliga, Ligue 1, and Saudi Pro League, making them highly competitive. This match will be a tough battle. As long as Messi stays healthy, his dribbling, through balls, and god's-eye long passes will be the best tools to break down defenses, while his free kicks and long-range shots are also weapons against packed defenses. Argentina's concern lies in the backline; Otamendi is already 38 years old, so the midfield needs to provide more interceptions to prevent the center-backs from being directly exposed to opposing attackers. All in all, a healthy Messi makes Argentina still trustworthy, and the duel between Messi and Mahrez is also one of the match's highlights.

To sum up, this match favors Argentina to defeat Algeria and secure a winning start, but they should be prepared for difficulties.

The two teams have met once before, with Argentina winning 4-3 in a narrow victory.

Injury situations: Argentina hasTagliafico; Algeria has none.

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