The wait for the football fans is about to end as Argentina`s superstar Lionel Messi is set to take on the field at the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026. Argentina will begin the campaign by playing a clash against Algeria at the Kansas City Stadium in Missouri.
The 38-year-old footballer will be participating in his record sixth World Cup, after leading his side to glory in the previous edition. Earlier, he suffered an injury scare when he left Inter Miami`s 6-4 win over Philadelphia last month.
Ahead of the campaign opening match against Algeria, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni said that everyone wants to see Messi play, considering the impact he has left on people.
“Everyone wants to see him out on the pitch, not just Argentinians, because of the impact he has on people. He has always been crucial for us and now he will be even more so. He looks good,” he said during the pre-match press conference.
On the other hand, Argentina will have other injury concerns over goalkeeper Emi Martinez and Julian Alvarez. However, both players are expected to make their appearance for the clash against Algeria.
The head coach then said that the opening game is important, but even if a team loses it, the campaign wouldn`t end for them.
“The last World Cup taught us that the opening game isn`t decisive. It`s important, sure, but we have the peace of mind of knowing it doesn`t end there,” said Scaloni.
In the previous edition of the global showpiece, Argentina suffered a loss in the opening match against Saudi Arabia before clinching the title.
He then expressed confidence by saying the Argentine players are in good shape and form.
“We`re about to face a very good team with great players, but we`re in good shape, we`re confident and we`re arriving in good form,” added the 48-year-old head coach.
He concluded by saying that Algeria is a similar opponent to Morocco and also said that no opponents it the ongoing tournament can be considered easy.
“Algeria is an opponent similar to Morocco. They have great players and a great coach. We`ve already seen with Spain that there are no easy opponents. Those teams have earned their place at the World Cup and Algeria concerns us because they are a great team,” he signed off.
(With AFP Inputs)
