Argentina begins its 2026 World Cup campaign on Tuesday against Algeria, with Lionel Messi captaining the squad. The team carries the weight of defending their current World Cup title won in 2022. Beyond their own ambitions, Argentina also faces the challenge of securing the first victory for a South American nation in the 2026 tournament. This match marks a significant early test for the reigning champions. Expectations are high for Messi and the Argentine team to perform well and break the current South American drought in the competition. The game will be closely watched by fans across the continent hoping for a strong start to the tournament for a South American representative. Algeria will undoubtedly present a formidable challenge to Argentina’s ambitions.