Argentina vs Algeria Preview: World No. 1 Aims to Salvage South American Pride, 38-Year-Old Messi Chases Three Historic Milestones

On June 17 at 9:00 AM Beijing time, a pivotal first-round Group J match of the World Cup begins. The world's number one side, Argentina, finally steps onto the pitch. They will take on Algeria, a strong North African squad, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, USA.

It remains to be seen whether the reigning champions can break their pattern of failing to win their opening game for three consecutive World Cups, while also redeeming the honor of South American teams that have started the tournament with four straight losses.

[Only 4 Losses in 4 Years! Argentina Must Beware of Repeating Last Tournament's Opening Defeat]

Since winning the 2002 World Cup, Argentina's men's team has suffered just four defeats, making the top-ranked defending champions a true "winning machine." However, this World Cup squad also has some concerns. For instance, no left-back was called up from the usual starter Acuña, and Tagliafico may be unavailable for the first match.

Furthermore, in the last two World Cups, Argentina surprisingly failed to win their opener: held to a draw by Iceland in 2018, and stunned by a comeback from Saudi Arabia in 2022 on their way to the title. Argentina must be careful that Algeria does not become another "Saudi Arabia."

[A Wide-Open, High-Tempo "France B Team" Capable of Giving Argentina Trouble]

This marks Algeria's fifth World Cup appearance, and their return after a 12-year absence. Due to well-known ties with France, this Algerian side is often called "France's B team," with even their starting goalkeeper being Zidane's son.

Although Algeria is not as strong as Argentina, their expansive and aggressive style of play actually makes them a dangerous upset threat in cup competitions. They have already beaten the Netherlands in a friendly, and this "Desert Fox" side, packed with renowned players, has every chance to cause Argentina plenty of headaches in the opening match.

[Head-to-Head Record]

The two sides have met only once before, in a friendly on June 6, 2007, where Argentina narrowly won 4-3. On that day, a then-under-20 Lionel Messi scored a brace.

[Predicted Lineups]

Argentina (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Damián Martínez

Defenders: Molina, Otamendi, Lisandro Martínez, Medina

Midfielders: Mac Allister, De Paul, Enzo

Forwards: Messi, Lautaro (Álvarez), Almada

Algeria (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Luca Zidane

Defenders: Belkebla, Mandi, Bensebaini, Aït-Nouri

Defensive Midfielders: Bennacer, Boudaoui

Attacking Midfielders: Mahrez, Maz, Amoura

Forward: Gouiri

[Key Players]

Lionel Messi (Argentina captain): At 38, this is Messi's sixth World Cup. With Ochoa not playing on the opening day and Ronaldo making his debut a day later, Messi is set to become the first player ever to step onto the World Cup stage six times. Additionally, if Messi provides an assist in this match, he will surpass Diego Maradona to become the all-time World Cup assist leader. Finally, a tougher record: if Messi scores a hat-trick or four goals, he could equal or surpass Miroslav Klose as the World Cup's all-time top scorer.

Riyad Mahrez (Algeria captain): The 35-year-old Mahrez confirmed before the World Cup that this tournament will be his last major competition. This brilliantly talented left winger remains the indispensable attacking soul of Algeria. His legendary duel with Messi is one of the biggest highlights of this match.