See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy JAMES COHEN, SPORTS REPORTER Updated: 00:44 BST, 17 June 2026
Follow Daily Mail Sport's live coverage for the team news and latest updates as Argentina get their World Cup campaign underway in Group J as they take on Algeria at the Arrowhead Stadium. Messi's last dance...By James CohenThere's a strong chance we're watching the final World Cup chapter of the greatest player the game has ever produced.Messi first wore the Argentina shirt at a World Cup back in 2006, suffered heartbreak in the 2014 final and finally completed the set in Qatar four years ago with the only trophy that had eluded him. Now, at 38, he leads the champions out one more time, knowing it could be his last.Algeria stand in his way tonight and the whole of Group J is watching to see what he's got left.Results elsewhere...By James CohenTuesday's slate kicked off in New Jersey.France beat Senegal 3-1, with Kylian Mbappe breaking the deadlock after 30 minutes and Bradley Barcola adding a second before Senegal grabbed one back. Mbappe's brace also moved him above Messi in the all-time World Cup scoring charts and made him France's record goalscorer. Over in Foxborough, it's Iraq 1-3 Norway - Erling Haaland's first-half double has been added to by Leo Ostigard, who struck in the 76th minute to put the game out of Iraq's reach. Norway, back at the World Cup for the first time since 1998, look set for a thumping start to life in Group I, while Iraq's first appearance in 40 years gets off to a tough beginning.Welcome!By James CohenGood evening and welcome to our live coverage of Argentina against Algeria, the Group J curtain-raiser the World Cup has been waiting for.Lionel Messi leads the reigning champions out at Arrowhead Stadium for what could be his final World Cup, with Algeria - back on this stage for the first time since 2014 - looking to spoil the party. Argentina go in as heavy favourites, but this tournament has already had its share of shocks.Kickoff is 9pm ET. Team news and build-up coming next - stay with us.
