LiveUpdated on: Jun 17, 2026 5:57:20 AM ISTArgentina vs Algeria Live Score FIFA World Cup 2026: Lionel Messi has been named in the starting line-up as he becomes the first player to play in six FIFA men's World Cups.Key Events3 Mins agoMessi first player to play 6 World Cups!9 Mins agoLautaro starts over Alvarez!15 Mins agoAlgeria starting line-up23 Mins agoArgentina starting line-up!Argentina vs Algeria Live Score FIFA World Cup 2026: Follow Latest UpdatesArgentina vs Algeria Live Score FIFA World Cup 2026: The wait is nearly over as Lionel Messi prepares to return to the World Cup stage, with Argentina opening their title defence against Algeria. For the first time in his career, Messi will walk into a World Cup as a reigning world champion after leading Argentina to glory in Qatar four years ago. It marks another significant chapter in an already remarkable international career and brings a different set of expectations for both the captain and his team.There had been some concern over Messi's fitness after he managed a minor hamstring issue in the lead-up to the tournament, but those doubts have eased. The 38-year-old has been named in Argentina's starting line-up and appears ready to lead from the front once again. This World Cup presents a new challenge for Argentina. In 2022, they arrived with the goal of ending a long wait for the trophy. This time, they carry the burden of defending it. As the team's most experienced player and a veteran of six World Cups, Messi remains central to Argentina's ambitions. His leadership, creativity and ability to deliver in decisive moments will once again be crucial as the holders begin their quest for back-to-back world titles. ...Read MoreThere had been some concern over Messi's fitness after he managed a minor hamstring issue in the lead-up to the tournament, but those doubts have eased. The 38-year-old has been named in Argentina's starting line-up and appears ready to lead from the front once again. This World Cup presents a new challenge for Argentina. In 2022, they arrived with the goal of ending a long wait for the trophy. This time, they carry the burden of defending it. As the team's most experienced player and a veteran of six World Cups, Messi remains central to Argentina's ambitions. His leadership, creativity and ability to deliver in decisive moments will once again be crucial as the holders begin their quest for back-to-back world titles. Follow all the updates here:Jun 17, 2026 5:57:20 AM ISTArgentina vs Algeria Live Score FIFA World Cup: Lionel Messi added another remarkable milestone to his career by becoming the first player in football history to feature in six different FIFA World Cups. The Argentina captain achieved the feat in his 200th senior appearance for the national team, further cementing his place among the game's all-time greats. From his World Cup debut in Germany in 2006 to leading Argentina as defending champions in 2026, Messi's journey has spanned two decades and several generations of footballers.Jun 17, 2026 5:51:23 AM ISTArgentina vs Algeria Live Score FIFA World Cup: A notable selection call from Lionel Scaloni for Argentina's World Cup opener against Algeria is the decision to start Lautaro Martinez ahead of Julian Alvarez. The Atletico Madrid forward had been a fitness concern after suffering an ankle injury in the build-up to the tournament, but Scaloni confirmed before the match that Alvarez was available for selection. Despite that, the Argentina coach opted to go with Martinez as the focal point of the attack, leaving Alvarez among the substitutes. The decision underlines Scaloni's faith in Martinez's recent form and gives the Inter Milan striker the chance to lead the line alongside Lionel Messi as the defending champions begin their campaign.Jun 17, 2026 5:45:59 AM ISTArgentina vs Algeria Live Score FIFA World Cup: Algeria starting line-up - Luca Zidane; Aissa Mandi, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rafik Belghali, Ramy Bensebaini; Fares Chaibi, Hicham Boudaoui, Nabil Bentaleb; Ibrahim Maza, Amine Gouiri, Anis Hadj Moussa.Jun 17, 2026 5:37:16 AM ISTArgentina vs Algeria Live Score FIFA World Cup 2026: Argentina starting line-up - Emiliano Martinez; Gonzalo Montiel, Lisandro Martinez, Cristian Romero, Facundo Medina; Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Thiago Almada; Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez.Jun 17, 2026 5:30:39 AM ISTArgentina vs Algeria Live Score FIFA World Cup 2026: Hello and welcome to our live coverage of Argentina's World Cup match against Algeria.Home Sports football Argentina vs Algeria Live Score FIFA World Cup 2026: Lionel Messi in starting line-up as ARG to begin title defence