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Editor's note: Follow all World Cup matches liveKANSAS CITY, MO — Argentina’s World Cup title defense kicked off at 9 p.m. ET Tuesday, June 16 in Kansas City with the Albiceleste meeting Algeria in a Group J contest.Although it would seem the pressure is on the South American nation, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni said before the match that his team is relaxed ahead of the opener. After all, the manager noted, Argentina lost the first match of the 2022 tournament before going on to win the whole thing.Still, life would be much easier for Scaloni, Messi and the rest of the Argentine nation if they’re able to see off the threat from the North Africans and start this campaign on the right foot. Algeria manager Vladimir Petković recognized the challenge his team will have with Argentina, but strong results in pre-tournament friendly matches against the Netherlands and Bolivia and having avoided defeat in 18 of their last 19 matches has Algeria fans hopeful they will be able to spoil the party by at least holding Argentina.Follow for live updates:Messi's night is doneAfter the hat trick, Lionel Messi makes way, applauding the crowd in Kansas City as they chant Mes-si! Mes-si!He shakes hands with Scaloni and takes a seat on the bench. It's a great start, but the work is only beginning for Argentina as it looks to win another World Cup title.Was the Argentina-Algeria match sold out?The announced attendance is 69,045, a sell-out at Kansas City Stadium with FIFA's listed capacity.76' HAT TRICK LIONEL MESSIHe's done it without needing to score from the spot. It's a World Cup hat trick for Lionel Messi. Another great goal, and even he seems stunned. Messi took the ball in the center circle, found Mac Allister wide, takes the ball back at the top of the box and finishes perfectly.Was Lionel Messi fouled in the box?Looking at the replay, it looks like good work from the Polish referee and the VAR crew. Rayan Aït-Nouri holds his position and Messi goes down looking for that contact.73' Penalty shout!This will be up to the VAR, as the referee says there's no foul on Messi in the box. Looks like the decision will be upheld. Fans wanted to see the hat trick from the spot, but for now they'll be denied.69' Argentina-Algeria heads into the final hydration breakWell, this game has shifted with that second goal from Messi. Despite the Algeria changes, it is all Argentina at the moment.66' SAVE! This time Zidane stops MessiMessi shakes loose once again, but this time the Algeria keeper makes the shot and sends it over for a corner kick.Algeria without many answers, and the crowd is loving it with Messi on a hat trick.63' What an atmosphere in Kansas CitySome Argentina fans are singing, others are simply chanting Mes-si, Mes-si, but almost everyone here is on their feet, cheering after the double from one of the greatest players ever to do it.Three changes for Algeria with Mahrez, Aouar and Amoura coming in to try to chase this game.60' GOAL! Messi again!This time it's a rebound for Leo Messi, as he is the fastest there to clean up a deflection Zidane was able to make on a shot from outside the area from Mac Allister!58' Algeria making some noise - on and off the fieldWell, it's a pro-Argentina crowd, but the hearty section of Algeria fans are now being heard and waving their green-and-white flags after a half-chance from the North African squad.Who came into the game for Argentina?Two substitutions from Scaloni, with Julian Alvarez entering the match for Martinez up top - he'll wish he'd done better with that chance just before he came out.Nicolas Gonzalez also is into the match for Atlético Madrid teammate Thiago Almada.54' SAVE ZidaneJust like that, it's another great opportunity for Argentina, with a pass in behind the back line finding Martinez but Zidane able to deny him.52' Argentina chance snuffed out!The Albiceleste worked a chance down the right-hand side, but a late moment of good defending from Algeria made sure the ball couldn't find its target in the box. Fans are beginning to sense another goal may be coming, though.Argentina, Algeria back on the field for the second halfArgentina will be attacking from right to left on the TV broadcast in Kansas City. Montiel is out with Molina in as Argentina makes back line modifications.Halftime: Argentina leads Algeria at the break thanks to Messi goalThat's the end of an entertaining first half, though things lagged a bit after the hydration break. Both teams had the ball in the goal early on, only to see the goals ruled out.Lionel Messi's shot from distance, however, stood. It's the difference after 45 minutes.Dibu Martinez called into actionA somewhat strange Algeria build-up ends with a deflected cross in the box falling in front of the goalmouth, but Argentina goalkeeper Martinez is there to scoop it up.42' Argentina goes on the counter thanks to MessiMessi took the ball in the center circle, turned and was off the races, turning and holding off Algeria midfielder Nabil Bentaleb to set up Thiago Almada, but the Atlanta United product's shot is well off target.What language is spoken in Algeria?Arabic is the official language of Algeria.Tamazight also is an official language, while many Algerian reporters in the press conference yesterday asked in French, even while manager Vladimir Petkovic responded in Italian.37' Free kick ArgentinaMessi goes for goal, but it's from some distance - probably a good 35 yards out. Even he can't bring the ball down quickly enough from that distance, and it's harmlessly out for a goal kick.Is Leo Messi right or left footed?Lionel Messi is left footed, with perhaps the best left foot in the game.Some of the new viewers to soccer may be interested to know that most players are dominant in one foot or the other, like most athletes in American sports are right or left handed.32' Messi commits the foulAs the Argentina star tries to win the ball back, he puts in a harsh foul but escapes going into the referee's book.Where is Algeria located?Argentina's spot on the map is perhaps well-known, especially after the South American nation's 2022 World Cup triumph. Algeria is looking to make a name for itself.Located in North Africa, it is the largest country on the continent by area - though most of its population lives on the coast.25' Time for a sipWe saw Zinedine Zidane on the jumbotron just before the hydration break, but he'll wish his son had been able to deflect that goal.We wrote earlier today about Luca's decision to represent Algeria.We've seen these hydration breaks change games, and Algeria will be happy not just to get some water in the 75-degree weather tonight but also to break up some of the rhythm Argentina was starting to show.22' Messi watchAfter dropping deeper on the play that led to the goal, Messi now is back on the right side of the Argentina attack between the Algeria left back and the center back, ready to pick his spot - or potentially get on a ball over the top.Argentina fans break into "Muchachos" the anthem from 2022 tournament that sounds like it'll still be heard this summer, too.17' GOAL! This one counts for Lionel Messi!He has done it for the 13th time at a FIFA World Cup. It's a classic Messi play, he dropped deep to receive the ball, started the move, got the ball back and fired in with that left foot from outside the area. Golazo!13' The stadium is jumpingFeeling good after that play came back from offside, the Argentina fans in Kansas City are bouncing, singing their classic song, "The person who isn't jumping is English!"10' GOAL! Algeria has opened the scoringIt's a beautiful move to open the scoring with Maza turning to set up Fares Chaibi for a wonderful finish and...No! It's offside! It's 0-0 still despite the Algerian celebration.5' Messi! - It's offsideThe star man has the ball in the back of the net, but the flag goes up immediately and the review is quick with Messi offside. The automated system in the stadium shows it actually was closer than it may have looked live, but his head was in front of the line.4' Shot! Martinez draws the first saveAn early effort from Lautaro Martinez brings Zidane into action. Argentina came up on the left side easily, which Algeria will want to monitor - but tough to commit with Lionel Messi lurking on the other side.2' Teams feeling things outAlgeria with a bit of possession early, and Argentina goalkeeper Dibu Martinez has his first touch of the night with both teams feeling things out early in Kansas City.The teams are on the field!Lionel Messi leads out Argentina with Dibu Martinez behind him, and it's a rousing version of the Argentine anthem. Plenty of Algeria fans in the stands, too, waving flags and singing that anthem. Here we go!Where to watch Argentina game vs. AlgeriaThe game is airing on Fox, but you can also watch on Fubo or the Fox One App . Spanish language broadcasts are available on Telemundo and Peacock.Watch every 2026 World Cup match on FuboArgentina lineup todayArgentina: Emiliano Martínez, Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Facundo Medina, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez, Thiago AlmadaAlgeria lineup todayAlgeria: Luca Zidane, Ramy Bensebaini, Aïssa Mandi, Rafik Belghali, Rayan Aït-Nouri, Hicham Boudaoui, Farès Chaïbi, Nabil Bentaleb, Ibrahim Maza, Amine Gouiri, Anis Hadj MoussaArgentina vs Algeria prediction and picksSeth Vertelney: Argentina 2-0 AlgeriaAlgeria will make it tough on the defending champions, but in the end Argentina will have too much quality for the Fennecs.Jon Arnold: Argentina 2-0 AlgeriaGetting back to full fitness remains a priority for Argentina, and we'll have to see how much Lionel Messi has in him. Still, Argentina can break down a staunch Algeria back line - while Dibu denies the attackers.Jesse Yomtov: Argentina 2-1 AlgeriaArgentina's title defense starts with three points, but it should be a hard-fought game at Arrowhead.Matt Glenesk: Argentina 2-2 AlgeriaThe defending World Cup champions open with a tricky fixture. Algeria won't be a pushover. They've got some tricky customers in Riyad Mahrez, Mohamed Amoura and Ibrahim Maza, a possible breakout star for the Desert Foxes. Messi is still Messi, even at this advanced age. We've already seen one shock with Spain drawing Capo Verde. I wouldn't be surprised if we see another.Where is Argentina vs. Algeria being played?The Group J match is taking place at a venue very familiar to American sports fans: Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. Known only as Kansas City Stadium for the FIFA World Cup, Arrowhead is home to the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs.Argentina starting XI projection vs. AlgeriaWill Lionel Messi start World Cup opener vs. Algeria? Here's what our national soccer writer Jon Arnold thinks.Dibu Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Nicolas Otamendi, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez; Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Thiago AlmadaSee the full breakdown.Lionel Messi's tattoosHis ink has nearly become synonymous with him. It's hard not to turn on the television and see his standout left leg sleeve or his highly decorated right arm, which is crawling with tattoos from his shoulder to his wrist.Here's a breakdown of his artwork and its meaning.Argentina vs Algeria oddsArgentina World Cup scheduleJune 16 vs. Algeria – 9 p.m. ET (Kansas City, MO)June 22 vs. Austria – 1 p.m. ET (Arlington, TX)June 27 vs. Jordan – 9 p.m. ET (Arlington, TX)Algeria World Cup scheduleJune 16 vs. Argentina – 9 p.m. ET (Kansas City, MO)June 21 vs. Jordan – 3 p.m. ET (Boston/Foxborough, MA)June 27 vs. Austria – 6 p.m. ET (Dallas/Arlington, TX)Argentina World Cup RosterGoalkeepers: Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa), Gerónimo Rulli (Olympique Marseille), Juan Musso (Atlético de Madrid)Defenders: Leonardo Balerdi (Olympique Marseille), Nicolás Tagliafico (Olympique Lyon), Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate), Lisandro Martínez (Manchester United), Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur), Nicolás Otamendi (Benfica), Facundo Medina (Olympique Marseille), Nahuel Medina (Atlético Madrid)Midfielders: Leandro Paredes (Boca Juniors), Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami), Valentín Barco (Racing Strasbourg), Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Enzo Fernández (Chelsea)Algeria World Cup RosterGoalkeepers: Luca Zidane (Granada), Oussama Benbot (USM Alger), Melvin Mastil (Stade Nyonnais), Abdelatif Ramdane (CS Constantine)Defenders: Rafik Belghali (Hellas Verona), Samir Chergui (Red Star FC), Rayan Aït-Nouri (Manchester City), Jaouen Hadjam (BSC Young Boys), Aïssa Mandi (LOSC Lille), Ramy Bensebaini (Borussia Dortmund), Zineddine Belaïd (JKabylie), Achref Abada (USM Alger), Mohamed Amine Tougaï (Espérance de Tunis)Midfielders: Nabil Bentaleb (LOSC Lille), Hicham Boudaoui (Nice), Houssem Aouar (Al-Ittihad), Farès Chaïbi (Eintracht Frankfurt), Ibrahim Maza (Bayer Leverkusen), Yacine Titraoui (Charleroi), Ramiz Zerrouki (FC Twente)Forwards: Mohamed Amine Amoura (VfL Wolfsburg), Nadhir Benbouali (Győr), Adil Boulbina (Al-Duhail), Farès Ghedjemis (Frosinone), Amine Gouiri (Olympique de Marseille), Anis Hadj Moussa (Feyenoord), Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahli)What team does Luca Zidane play for?Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane plays his club soccer for Granada in Spain.Lionel Messi World Cup goals, statsLionel Messi has 13 career World Cup goals entering the 2026 tournament, tied for fourth on the all-time list.Where is Argentina playing today?The Argentina-Algeria match is taking place at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, home of the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs.Who won the last World Cup?Argentina defeated France on penalty kicks to win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the Argentines' fourth championship.How old is Lionel Messi?Lionel Messi is 38 years old and will celebrate his 39th birthday during this tournament on June 24.When is the World Cup final?The 2026 World Cup final is scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ.Who does Alexis Mac Allister play for?Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister plays for Liverpool, joining from Premier League rival Brighton following the 2022 World Cup. Mac Allister helped Liverpool win the 2024-25 Premier League title.Who does Riyad Mahrez play for?Riyad Mahrez, 35, plays for Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia. He joined from Manchester City in 2023 and won five Premier League titles, the first with Leicester City.Who does Enzo Fernandez play for?Enzo Fernandez plays for Chelsea, making the move to the London club after helping Argentina win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
