Argentina vs Algeria Predicted Lineups & Team News 

Argentina kick off the defence of their World Cup crown when they take on Algeria in the Group J opener at Kansas City Stadium (Wednesday 8pm local, Thursday 2am BST, live on ITV).

For fans wondering if Lionel Messi will start and whether Riyad Mahrez is expected to feature for the Greens, here's the Argentina vs Algeria predicted lineups and team news...

Argentina

Argentina are big favourites to advance to the knockout stages from Group J with relative ease and an opening game victory over Algeria would put Messi & Co. in control.

Manager Lionel Scaloni has a few injury concerns to consider with Nicolas Tagliafico and Nico Gonzalez both doubts.

However, in more positive news, goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez returned to training last week, having injured a finger while on club duty with Aston Villa, while Leandro Paredes is pushing for a return to action following a hamstring issue.

Argentina are on a run of seven straight games, conceding just one goal in that time.

Algeria

Ramy Bensebaini is set to miss Algeria’s World Cup opener, which is a huge blow for the Greens as they attempt to keep Messi quiet on Wednesday.

The Borussia Dortmund defender has not played since late April due to an ankle issue and so missed his nation’s June friendlies against the Netherlands and Bolivia. While Algeria kept clean sheets in those two victories, Bensebaini is a key player and will be missed.

Zinedine Zidane’s son Luca is expected to start in goal for Algeria after recording shutouts in five of his last six appearances for the national team.

Vladimir Petkovic’s side have lost just once in their last 18 matches across all competitions and friendlies.

Remember you can bet on this match and check out all of the live Argentina vs Algeria Odds over on betfred.com

Argentina vs Algeria Key Players

Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Lionel Messi may turn 39 next week but, after guiding his country to World Cup glory in Qatar four years ago, his influence will be massive again in America.

One of the greatest players of all-time, Messi is still recording impressive numbers, top scoring with eight goals in South America qualifying as the White and Sky Blue topped the standings to seal their spot at this summer’s tournament.

Also recording three assists, the number 10 will be tasked with creating for Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez.

Just having Messi present in the dressing room will be enough to inspire his team-mates but his role in the starting eleven will still be crucial to Scaloni’s set-up.

Riyad Mahrez (Algeria)

Another veteran who is key to his team’s hopes is Algeria winger Riyad Mahrez.

The five-time Premier League title winner with Leicester and Manchester City has been playing in the Saudi Pro League since 2023 and is still an important player for the national team at 35.

Scoring six goals for Algeria since October last year, Mahrez can create moments of magic out of nothing and won’t be fazed when coming up against Argentina.

While it’s likely the forward will find more joy against Austria and Jordan, Algeria’s good moments on Wednesday will likely come from Mahrez.

For all of our coverage and betting markets for the festival of football this summer, please check out our World Cup Odds over on betfred.com