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Is Messi Playing in the World Cup Opener Against Algeria?
Lionel Scaloni said Argentina will not be decided by its opener, while Lionel Messi and several teammates manage minor injuries before kickoff.
- Argentina opens its FIFA World Cup campaign against Algeria on Wednesday at Arrowhead Stadium, with head coach Lionel Scaloni stressing the need for 'calmness' as the defending champions begin their title defense.
- Manager Scaloni confirmed that stars Lionel Messi, Emiliano Martinez, and Julian Alvarez are available for the opener despite minor injury concerns affecting the squad heading into the tournament.
- Messi, set to make his 200th international appearance, looked fit in training after resting a hamstring last week; Scaloni confirmed only Nico Tagliafico and Nico Paz require monitoring.
- Following Spain's scoreless draw with Cape Verde, Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic acknowledged, 'Of course we're not favorites for this match,' citing the upset potential in this 48-team tournament.
- Forecasts for Wednesday night at Arrowhead Stadium look promising, with temperatures near 80 degrees Fahrenheit and almost no chance of rain as Argentina aims to defend their third world title.
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54 Articles
Ageless! Soccer star Messi does unthinkable in sixth World Cup –...
Messi has 16 goals in his record six World Cup appearances overall, and it seems inevitable that Klose’s record will fall in the coming weeks. The hat trick was the 61st of Messi’s career, his 11th while playing in his national team colors and his first in the World Cup. It also was the fifth straight World Cup game in which Messi has scored. “It makes me very happy to have lived through everything that came my way. What I’m living though now is…
The reigning World Cup champions, led by Lionel Scaloni, make their debut against Algeria. Messi, De Paul, Martínez, and Otamendi are among the familiar faces, along with new talents like Lo Celso, Balerdi, and Simeone.
Coverage Details
Total News Sources54
Leaning Left8Leaning Right6Center14Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Center
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center
L 29%
C 50%
R 21%
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