Argentina vs. Algeria live score, stats, result, highlights as Messi opens scoring with sumptuous effort

Argentina vs. Algeria live score, stats, result, highlights as Messi opens scoring with sumptuous effort originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Argentina enjoyed a stunning run to the World Cup in 2022. Four years on, La Albiceleste fancies itself favorites to return to the podium — this time in the United States.

Lionel Scaloni’s side is once more adorned with superstars, headlined by the country — and sport’s — greatest-ever player, Lionel Messi. The 38-year-old is likely playing in his last World Cup. He has shown few signs of slowing down, producing 13 goals in 16 appearances for Inter Miami.

He’s joined by a host of other noteworthy talents, including Julian Alvarez and Enzo Fernandez. They expect to get all they can handle in the form of Algeria, one of Africa’s finest sides.

The Desert Warriors, too, are teeming with talent, namely former Leicester City and Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez. At their best, the Algerians can be a swashbuckling bunch. They haven’t been at their best as of late, however, failing to assert themselves in January’s African Cup of Nations.

The Sporting News is tracking live updates from Tuesday’s match between Argentina and Algeria. Follow below for highlights, analysis and more from the Group J opener. 

STREAM:Watch the 2026 World Cup live with fubo (U.S. only free trial)

Argentina vs. Algeria score

Location: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City
Referee: Szymon Marciniak

Starting lineups:

Argentina (4-4-2): 23. E. Martinez (GK) — 4. G. Montiel, 13. C. Romero, 6. L. Martinez, 25. F. Medina — 20. A. Mac Allister, 24. E. Fernandez — 7. R. De. Paul, 10. L. Messi, 22. L. Martinez, 16. T. Almada

Algeria (4-3-3): 23. L. Zidane (GK) — 17. R. Belghali, 2. A. Mandi, 21. R. Bensebaini, 15. R. Ait-Nouri — 11. A. H. Moussa, 14. H. Boudaoui, 19. N. Bentaleb, 10. F. Chaibi — 22. I. Maza, 9. A. Gouiri

Argentina vs. Algeria match stats

2026 WORLD CUP HQ:Latest World Cup news | Full World Cup schedule | Updated World Cup standings

Argentina vs. Algeria live updates, highlights from 2026 World Cup

(All times ET)

17’: Messi finds his goal as Argentina takes deserved lead

9:20 p.m.: There it is! The Argentines are on the board! And it’s Messi who applies the finishing touch, slipping the ball beyond Zidane to give his home nation the lead. Given his scoring prowess, this might not be the last time he leaves the net bulging.

MESSI SCORES ARGENTINA’S FIRST GOAL OF THE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP! 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/JyNwqGCaFU

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 17, 2026

Argentina 1, Algeria 0

8′: Algeria and Argentina denied goals after matching offsides calls

9:10 p.m: Moments after Argentina saw its dreams of a Messi goal called off due to an offsides, Algeria experienced the same scornful existence. Fares Chaibi thought he found a target with a deft finish at the near post. However, the linesman deemed that he had gone too early. Somehow, we remain level at zero goals apiece.

Leo Messi puts it in the back of the net in the 5th minute but the flag goes up for offside 👀 pic.twitter.com/fwU1dk89RR

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 17, 2026

Another look at Algeria’s goal that was called back for offside 🇩🇿 pic.twitter.com/lamtSL2tSa

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 17, 2026

9:05 p.m.: And we’re off! Argentina and Algeria’s World Cup matchup is underway!

Pre-game

9:01 p.m.: Looks like Argentina is, indeed, playing a 4-3-3. Martinez plays up top, while Messi is offering support from the right wing.

8:55 p.m.: The players are streaming out onto the pitch. We’re mere moments away from the start of tonight’s contest.

8:30 p.m.: As a reminder, Algerian goalkeeper Luca Zidane is Zinedine Zidane’s son. Talk about famous heritage…

8:15 p.m.: Argentine fans appear to be getting into the mood ahead of tonight’s kickoff. Lawrence, Kan. took on a distinctly Algerian disposition on account of their relationship

Argentina fans are ready for the reigning champs’ debut at the 2026 World Cup 🏆 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/qUMBdOqgWv

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) June 17, 2026

7:45 p.m.: Algerian standout Riyad Mahrez will start the game on the bench. He’ll watch on as Feyenoord’s Anis Hadj Moussa will attempt to make waves on the right flank. He scored 14 goals in 40 games with the Eredivisie giants.

7:30 p.m.: Here’s a look at Argentina and Algeria’s lineups for tonight’s contest. Looks like the Albiceleste will employ a 4-4-2 in this one, with Messi and Lautaro Martinez leading the line up top. Thiago Almada and Rodrigo De Paul will offer support from the flanks.

🇦🇷 ARGENTINA vs ALGERIA 🇩🇿

Starting XI’s confirmed! ✅ pic.twitter.com/xdrlZsdIFX

— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) June 16, 2026

7:10 p.m.: Insider Fabrizio Romano reported that Messi will, indeed, start on Tuesday night. Expect fireworks when he takes the pitch…

🚨 Lionel Messi has recovered and will start for Argentina today on World Cup debut, reports TyC. pic.twitter.com/RlpGU8oH6K

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 16, 2026

7:00 p.m.: We’re two hours from the start of tonight’s contest. That means two hours away from Lionel Messi’s group stage opener. That is music to most soccer fans’ ears.

Where to watch Argentina vs. Algeria in World Cup

Argentina vs. Algeria start time

• Date: Tuesday, June 16
• Kickoff: 9 p.m. (ET)

The match between Argentina and Algeria kicks off at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City at 9 p.m. ET (8 p.m. local time).

What channel is Argentina vs. Algeria on today?

• TV channel: Fox or FS1
• Live stream:Fubo (U.S. only free trial)

Here is where the World Cup match between Argentina and Algeria can be found televised around in some major territories around the world, as well as streaming online.

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Algeria World Cup schedule 2026

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