Will Lionel Messi play against algeria? Argentina Coach Lionel Scaloni breaks Silence ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026 Opener

Defending champions Argentina are just hours away from beginning their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign, but the biggest question dominating global football discussions remains the same — will Lionel Messi be fit enough to start against Algeria?

The Argentine captain recently sparked concern after suffering a minor left hamstring injury during his final appearance for Inter Miami before the World Cup break. The injury immediately triggered speculation about whether the 38-year-old legend would miss Argentina’s opening fixture.

However, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has now delivered a reassuring update that will come as a huge relief for football fans around the world.

Speaking ahead of the highly anticipated clash, Scaloni made it clear that Messi continues to remain central to Argentina’s plans and insisted that the veteran forward looks ready for the challenge.

“Not just Argentinians, but the whole world wants to see Messi on the field,” Scaloni said while addressing the media.

“He has always been fundamental for us. No matter the circumstances, he always delivers. Right now, he looks good and he will be even more important for this team.”

Messi also featured in Argentina’s warm-up friendly against Iceland, further indicating that the injury may not be serious enough to keep him out of the tournament opener.

Messi Chasing More World Cup History

The FIFA World Cup 2026 marks Messi’s sixth appearance at football’s biggest tournament — a milestone achieved by only a handful of players in history.

The Argentine superstar currently has 13 FIFA World Cup goals, making him the highest-scoring active player in World Cup history. Overall, he sits fourth on the all-time list behind Miroslav Klose (16), Ronaldo Nazario (15), and Gerd Müller (14).

Messi’s most iconic World Cup performance came in Qatar 2022, where he scored 7 (seven) goals and finally lifted the prestigious trophy after years of heartbreak.

Now, Argentina enters the 2026 tournament with the opportunity to achieve something extraordinary once again.

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If Scaloni’s side successfully defends the title, Argentina would become only the second nation after Brazil to win back-to-back FIFA World Cups in the modern era.

Argentina Eye Strong Start

Despite some minor fitness concerns within the squad, Scaloni suggested that Argentina’s camp remains in good shape overall.

The coach admitted that selecting the best possible starting lineup has become increasingly difficult because of the quality available throughout the squad.

“There are no major injuries in the team right now,” Scaloni explained. “Everyone is available, and competition for places is very high.”

Argentina will begin their campaign against Algeria before facing Austria on June 22 and Jordan on June 27 in the group stage.

With Messi likely set to feature, excitement around Argentina’s title defence continues to grow rapidly.

For millions of football fans, the possibility of watching Lionel Messi lead Argentina one more time on the World Cup stage feels like another chapter in an already legendary career.