Lionel Messi’s Argentina are set to begin the defence of their FIFA World Cup crown against Algeria at Kansas City Stadium on Wednesday, June 17. However, ahead of the clash, some Argentina fans have expressed their dissatisfaction with the inclusion of Lautaro Martinez and Thiago Almada in the starting line-up.
Coach Lionel Scaloni has named a strong lineup with Emiliano Martinez in goal. Lisandro Martinez and Cristian Romero are in central defence, while Facundo Medina and Gonzalo Montiel have been named at left and right back, respectively.
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Alexis MacAlister, Enzo Fernandez, and Rodrigo De Paul make up the three-man central midfield, with Almada positioned right in front of them as the attacking midfielder. Messi leads the attack from the right and is partnered up front by Martinez.
However, the coach’s decision to feature Lautaro and Almada did not sit well with some fans. Reacting to the starting XI, one fan said:
“Almada is useless and weak how could he start?”
A fan suggested that the coach should have played Julian Alvarez instead of Lautaro.
“Lautaro always play against Messi. He shouldn’t be starting…..Alvarez is that guy,” the fan wrote.
“Please take out Lautaro,” another fan chimed in.
Another fan questioned Almada’s inclusion over Nico Paz, writing:
“Why Almada instead of Nico Paz.”
“Almada?, a fan commented alongside a Kylian Mbappe laughing gif”
Scaloni’s side are looking to become the first back-to-back World Cup winners in more than 60 years and just the third ever after Italy (1934, 1938) and Brazil (1958, 1962).
Lionel Messi becomes first player to feature in six FIFA World Cup editions
Following his inclusion in the starting XI to face Algeria, Argentina skipper Lionel Messi officially becomes the first player to feature in six separate FIFA World Cup tournaments.
The 38-year-old made his World Cup debut in 2006 and has played in every edition since then, notably winning the trophy in 2022. In 26 World Cup appearances, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has registered 13 goals and eight assists.
Messi, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Mexico’s Guillermo Ochoa, entered the 2026 World Cup as the only players to be named in six different editions. However, Ochoa was an unused substitute in his country’s 2-0 victory over South Africa, while Ronaldo’s Portugal does not play until later in the day when they take on DR Congo.
Edited by Okenna Okere
