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Messi's Sixth, Final World Cup Opens vs Algeria.

6/17/2026

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Summary

Messi's Final World Cup

Lionel Messi (Argentina forward) will play his sixth and final World Cup as Argentina opens Group J vs Algeria in Kansas City on Tuesday.
He debuted on June 16, 2006, entering in the 74th minute against Serbia and Montenegro and scored 14 minutes later.
Messi, now 38, has eight Ballon d’Or awards, a joint-record 48 trophies and won a second Golden Ball after scoring twice in the 2022 final.

Summary

Messi Starts

Messi recovered from a hamstring and will start for Argentina against Algeria at Kansas City Stadium.
Argentina is No. 1 in FIFA rankings while Algeria is No. 27.
Messi has 13 World Cup goals and could eclipse Miroslav Klose’s 16-goal record.
Erling Haaland, Premier League top scorer, debuts as Norway reaches its first finals in 28 years.
PrizePicks and Team Picks now offer player-prop and match-winner bets on the tournament in 35 states.

Summary

Messi vs Ronaldo

2026 World Cup could host Lionel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo showdown if both reach knockout stage.
Lionel Messi has eight Ballon d’Ors to Cristiano Ronaldo’s five and leads 37-match rivalry 17-11-9.
Both have scored 23 goals against each other, leaving their tally even.
In 2023 Lionel Messi plays for Inter Miami and Cristiano Ronaldo plays for Al-Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo says winning Cup is not a dream and will not define his greatness.

History

Historical Context

Mexico hosted the 1986 FIFA World Cup from 31 May to 29 June, where Argentina, captained by Diego Maradona, won their second title by beating West Germany 3-2. Maradona scored five goals, including the controversial ‘Hand of God’ and the ‘Goal of the Century’ against England, cementing a legacy that current Argentine stars are still measured against today.

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Messi's Final World Cup

Lionel Messi (Argentina forward) will play his sixth and final World Cup as Argentina opens Group J vs Algeria in Kansas City on Tuesday.
He debuted on June 16, 2006, entering in the 74th minute against Serbia and Montenegro and scored 14 minutes later.
Messi, now 38, has eight Ballon d’Or awards, a joint-record 48 trophies and won a second Golden Ball after scoring twice in the 2022 final.

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