Geispolsheim · Coupe de France · Defender · #0 · France · 0 yrs
With Lionel Messi once again at the center of attention, the South American giant enters the tournament carrying the weight of history and the ambition of defending the crown won in Qatar four years ago. The wait is finally over for the reigning world champion as Argentina prepares to begin its 2026 World Cup journey with a Group J clash against Algeria in Kansas City. With Lionel Messi once again at the center of attention, the South American giant enters the tournament carrying the weight of history and the ambition of defending the crown won in Qatar four years ago. Argentina arrives in North America as one of the favorites to lift the trophy once again, while Algeria returns to the World Cup determined to prove it belongs among the global elite. The opening match could shape the direction of Group J, which also features Austria and Jordan, making a positive start crucial for both national teams. La Albiceleste is attempting to become only the third nation ever to win back-to-back World Cups, joining Italy and Brazil in one of soccer’s most exclusive clubs. Lionel Scaloni’s side earned its place in the tournament after finishing first in CONMEBOL qualifying for the first time since 2014. A dominant campaign included a memorable 4-1 victory over Brazil and saw Argentina collect 38 points from 18 matches. The world champion has also carried excellent form into the tournament. Seven consecutive victories in friendlies produced 21 goals while only one was conceded, reinforcing the belief that Scaloni’s squad remains one of the strongest in international soccer. Lautaro Martinez of Argentina celebrates with teammates after scoring against Honduras. Despite those achievements, Argentina knows better than most that World Cup openers can be dangerous. The shocking defeat to Saudi Arabia in the opening match of the 2022 tournament remains fresh in the minds of many players. Algeria arrives with confidence Algeria returns to the World Cup for the first time since 2014 after an impressive qualification campaign under Vladimir Petkovic. The Fennec Foxes topped their CAF qualifying group and finished among Africa’s highest-scoring teams. Their attacking strength was led by Mohammed Amoura, who scored 10 goals during qualification and was directly involved in 58 percent of Algeria’s total goals. Recent performances have also boosted confidence. Algeria defeated both the Netherlands and Bolivia in the build-up to the tournament and has conceded only twice across its last six matches. While Algeria has reached the knockout rounds only once in its World Cup history, the squad believes it can challenge for another historic run. Anis Hadj Moussa of Algeria celebrates scoring against the Netherlands. Experienced figures such as Riyad Mahrez, Ismaël Bennacer, Amine Gouiri, and Amoura provide plenty of quality throughout the team. Petkovic’s side will likely rely on defensive discipline and quick transitions as it attempts to frustrate one of the tournament favorites. Will Lionel Messi play? The biggest question surrounding Argentina’s opener has been whether Messi will be available after recently managing a hamstring issue. The answer appears to be yes. Messi is expected to start against Algeria and make his 200th international appearance for Argentina. The Inter Miami forward is also set to become the first player in soccer history to participate in six different World Cups. Messi enters the tournament with 13 World Cup goals and eight assists, while his influence on Argentina’s recent success remains enormous. During the 2022 triumph, he scored or assisted 10 of Argentina’s 15 goals. Lionel Messi of Argentina looks on during the international friendly match between Argentina and Iceland His record against Algeria also offers encouraging memories. The only previous meeting between the two nations came in 2007 when Argentina won 4-3, with Messi scoring the first international brace of his career. Argentina vs Algeria: Projected lineups Argentin
Portugal’s search for glory at the 2026 World Cup begins on Wednesday when they open their Group K campaign against DR Congo in Houston. With expectations high around Roberto Martinez’s side, they will be determined to start strongly against an opponent making a long-awaited return to the global stage. Verdict: Total Portugal goals over 2.5 […] The post Prediction: Portugal vs Congo DR appeared first on SoccerNews.
Portugal enter the World Cup on the back of a 2-1 win over Nigeria, though Roberto Martinez's side were not entirely convincing. The post ‘The idea wasn’t to win 5-0’ – Martinez defends Portugal display against Nigeria appeared first on SoccerNews.
Lionel Messi jumped on the field, and in just three minutes, scored from the penalty spot against Iceland to extend Argentina's lead in their last friendly prior to the World Cup. Lionel Messi started the match against Iceland off the bench as part of a careful strategy by head coach Lionel Scaloni to manage his workload and avoid any potential injury setbacks ahead of the beginning of the 2026 World Cup. However, it took the superstar just minutes after stepping onto the pitch to make his mark, extending Argentina‘s lead from the penalty spot. Entering the match in the second half immediately following the cooling break in the 70th minute, Messi quickly asserted himself by controlling possession in midfield and slipping a clinical through ball to Lautaro Martinez. Finding himself one-on-one with Elias Olafsson, the striker saw his initial effort nearing the post but managed to draw a penalty after being brought down by the rushing goalkeeper. On just his fourth touch of the match, Messi stepped up to take the spot-kick, and although Olafsson guessed the correct side, the Inter Miami star slotted a precise finish into the top right corner just out of the keeper’s reach. With the conversion, the forward doubled Argentina’s advantage just two minutes after his introduction. Con la primera pelota de Messi en el juego… ¡PENAL PARA ARGENTINA! ⚽❗ Lo cobra Messi, Argentina aumenta la ventaja 2-0 ante Islandia en el amistoso. pic.twitter.com/HztiSby31x— ESPN Deportes (@ESPNDeportes) June 10, 2026 With the strike, Messi inflated his staggering international tallies to 117 goals and 61 assists in 198 caps, while simultaneously reaching 911 all-time career goals. His impact didn’t stop there, either; the captain orchestrated Argentina’s third and final goal of the evening, dropping a perfectly weighted ball into the box to Rodrigo De Paul, who squared it for Thiago Almada to tap home and wrap up the 3-0 victory just one week before their World Cup debut. Messi breaks 69-year-old record with Argentina Messi has already claimed countless records throughout his legendary career for both club and country, and he stands a chance to shatter even more during the 2026 World Cup. Yet, even before the tournament officially kicks off, the talismanic forward has already rewritten the history books by eclipsing an international milestone that had stood for nearly seven decades. By finding the back of the net against Iceland, Lionel Messi became the oldest player ever to score a goal for the Argentina national team. The legendary playmaker now claims sole possession of the record at 38 years, 11 months, and 14 days old. The historic benchmark was originally established by iconic striker Angel Labruna back on July 7, 1957, and for the last 69 years, no one had been able to dethrone him until now. The legendary River Plate forward had set the record during a 2-1 friendly victory over bitter rivals Brazil, scoring at the age of 38 years, 9 months, and 8 days old.
Portugal face Nigeria in their final World Cup warm-up match, with their tournament opener against DR Congo fast approaching. The post Nigeria friendly perfect preparation for Portugal’s World Cup opener, says Martinez appeared first on SoccerNews.
