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Lionel Messi
New Delhi: Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that star trio Lionel Messi, Emiliano Martínez and Julián Álvarez are available for the team's FIFA World Cup 2026 opener against Algeria.
The defending champions will kick off their campaign at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on June 17 (IST), with Scaloni urging his players to remain calm as they begin their quest to retain the World Cup title.
All eyes will be on Lionel Messi, who is set to make a record-breaking sixth FIFA World Cup appearance, the most by any player in the tournament's history.
The Argentine captain is also on the verge of another major milestone, entering the match with 199 international appearances for Argentina. If he features against Algeria, Messi will earn his 200th cap for La Albiceleste.
Speaking ahead of the match, Scaloni expressed confidence in Messi's fitness and readiness.
"Everyone wants to see Leo Messi on the field. He excites everyone, not just Argentines," Scaloni said.
"He's always been monumental for us, and now he will be even more. I see him well."
The coach's comments have all but confirmed Messi's place in the starting lineup for Argentina's opening Group J encounter.
There had been concerns over the fitness of goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and young midfielder Nico Paz, who were recovering from a fractured ring finger and a knee issue respectively.
However, Scaloni revealed that Argentina currently have no major injury concerns and that the squad is close to full strength.
"There are no injured players," the coach said.
"We will only continue monitoring Nico Tagliafico's situation, but in principle all players are available."
Scaloni admitted that selecting the starting XI remains challenging because of the depth and quality within Argentina's squad.
The World Cup-winning coach said balancing the team was more difficult than dealing with injuries, as several high-quality players could miss out despite being fit.
"We play with 11 players and try to find equilibrium. The difficult part is leaving great players out," he added.
Argentina enter the FIFA World Cup 2026 as defending champions after lifting the trophy in Qatar in 2022.
With Messi chasing history and the squad close to full fitness, Scaloni's side will be aiming to begin their title defence with a strong performance against Algeria.
