Messi Makes First Start of 2026 World Cup as Algeria Benches Its Star Man

Lionel Messi will lead Argentina from the opening whistle for the first time in the 2026 World Cup, while Algeria left its most recognizable attacker on the bench for Friday’s Group C opener in a surprise move that could reshape the early tournament narrative.

The defending champions face an Algeria side that, on paper, has the talent to threaten La Albiceleste’s grip on the trophy. But Algeria’s starting XI raised eyebrows when Riyad Mahrez—the captain and all-time leading scorer—was named among the substitutes.

According to the team sheet released ahead of the match, Algeria head coach Vladimir Petkovic opted for a front line led by Amine Gouiri and Anis Hadj Moussa, leaving Mahrez as an option off the bench. The decision, which the team has not officially explained, sparked immediate debate among fans online, with many questioning whether the 34-year-old winger’s diminished club role at Al Ahli influenced the tactical call.

Argentina’s Strongest Hand

For Argentina, manager Lionel Scaloni rolled out the expected heavyweight lineup. Emiliano Martínez starts in goal behind a back four of Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, and Facundo Medina. The midfield trio of Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, and Enzo Fernández provides both steel and creativity, with Thiago Almada slotting into an advanced role.

Up top, the pair that defined Argentina’s 2022 triumph—Messi and Lautaro Martínez—gets the nod together again. This marks Messi’s first start of the tournament after he came off the bench in the group-stage opener. At 38, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner remains the focal point of Scaloni’s system, though his minutes have been managed carefully.

What This Means for Group C

The stakes are clear: a win for Argentina puts them in pole position to advance from a group that also includes Saudi Arabia and Mexico. For Algeria, dropping points while their best player sits on the bench invites scrutiny—especially if the match turns tight in the second half.

Fans online noted the irony: Algeria’s golden generation, which reached the semifinals in 2014, now finds itself debating whether its elder statesman still fits the starting plan. Petkovic, to his credit, has built a side that presses high and transitions quickly—traits that may suit Gouiri and Moussa better than Mahrez’s more deliberate style.

Kickoff is set for later today. If Messi delivers another vintage performance and Algeria’s gamble backfires, the headlines will write themselves.