Lionel Messi could make his World Cup 2026 bow on Tuesday as Argentina faces Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium.
MORE: FIFA World Cup 2026 power rankings
How to Watch Argentina vs Algeria
- Date: Tuesday, June 16, 2026
- Time: 9 PM EDT
- Channel: FOX
- Stream: Fubo (try for free)
World Cup holder Argentina will finally make its 2026 bow on Tuesday when Lionel Messi & Co will target a positive start against Group J rival Algeria. Eight-time Ballon d’Or-winner Messi has benefited from the extra rest as he manages a hamstring issue, leaving manager Lionel Scaloni in a bind about whether to select his talisman.
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Scaloni has also offered encouragement that fans will see Messi in action alongside Julian Alvarez and Emiliano Martinez, each of whom has also been dealing with minor injuries. Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez is another option to start up front if Alvarez is deemed not ready, while Thiago Almada will also help in that regard.
Algeria’s sole injury concern is Borussia Dortmund left-back Ramy Bensebaini, who has been ruled out of this clash due to an ankle injury. The Fennec Foxes made it as far as the round of 16 when they last competed at a World Cup in 2014, with Riyad Mahrez among the remaining stars who were also in the squad 12 years ago.
Argentina could become the first team in more than 60 years to win two World Cup titles in a row, and this tournament carries added significance as likely the last World Cup of Messi’s career. La Albiceleste romped way clear of the competition in CONMEBOL qualifying and takes on a must-win matchup in Group J.
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Ben Verbrugge
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