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Argentina Algeria Match: Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni struck a composed tone Monday as the reigning world champions prepare to open their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Algeria on Tuesday night in Kansas City.
The Group J clash is set for GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Scaloni urged his squad not to place excessive pressure on the result.
"It's just a game of football," the Argentine manager said. "We have the experience of the last World Cup. The first game is important, but it doesn't end there."
Scaloni confirmed that star forward Lionel Messi, striker Julián Álvarez, and goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez are all available for selection despite recent injury concerns heading into the tournament.
Messi has been nursing a mild hamstring strain. Álvarez has been working through an ankle problem. Martínez is expected to start in goal despite carrying a fractured ring finger.
"Emiliano is okay and available," Scaloni said. "Julián had an ankle problem, but his recovery has been good. He is available and an option for tomorrow."
On Messi, Scaloni made clear the 38-year-old remains central to everything Argentina does.
"Everyone wants to see Messi on the field, playing," he said. "He excites everyone — not just Argentines. He has always been monumental for us, and now he will be even more."
The only player under a fitness watch heading into Tuesday's match is left-back Nicolás Tagliafico.
Scaloni noted he would monitor Tagliafico's participation in training but indicated all other squad members are fit and available.
Scaloni planned to announce the starting lineup to his 26-man squad following Monday's training session.
Argentina begins its title defense having lifted the trophy in Qatar in 2022, a campaign that famously started with a shocking opening defeat to Saudi Arabia — a stumble the team ultimately overcame.
Scaloni acknowledged the challenge of selecting just 11 starters from a deep and talented roster.
"The difficulty I always face is leaving behind great players," he said. "We play with 11 and we try to find equilibrium. Someone will be left out, but we are in a good place."
Following the Algeria match, Argentina will remain in Group J with fixtures against Austria and Jordan still ahead.
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