Messi Leads Argentina in World Cup Rehearsal as Algeria Leaves a Key Star on Bench

The lineups are in for what could be a preview of a deep World Cup run — but the biggest talking point isn’t who’s playing for Argentina. It’s who isn’t playing for Algeria.

Lionel Scaloni rolled out a near full-strength Argentina side for Thursday’s friendly against Algeria, with Lionel Messi wearing the armband alongside Lautaro Martínez up front. The XI: Emiliano Martínez in goal; a back four of Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, and Facundo Medina; a midfield engine room of Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, and Thiago Almada; and the two Lions up top.

On paper, it’s the kind of lineup that reminds everyone why Argentina enters every tournament as a favorite. But Algeria’s team sheet tells a different story — and it’s raising eyebrows.

Where’s Mahrez?

Riyad Mahrez, Algeria’s most decorated attacking player and the man who dragged them to African Cup of Nations glory, is absent from the starting XI. Instead, Algeria’s coach Vladimir Petković opted for a front three of Amine Gouiri, Anis Hadj Moussa, and Farés Chaibi, with Ibrahim Maza pulling strings from midfield. Mahrez hasn’t been ruled out entirely — he could feature off the bench — but his omission from the starting lineup against a team of Argentina’s caliber has fans and analysts asking questions.

Is this a tactical decision? A fitness concern? Or a sign that Petković is already looking past this friendly toward competitive matches later this year? The Algerian federation has not commented on Mahrez’s role, and the team’s official lineup announcement offered no explanation.

What is clear: Algeria’s XI lacks the same kind of star power Argentina brings. Goalkeeper Luca Zidane — son of the legendary Zinedine Zidane — gets the nod between the posts. Rafik Belghali, Aïssa Mandi, Ramy Bensebaini, and Rayan Aït-Nouri form the back line. In midfield, Hicham Boudaoui and Nabil Bentaleb provide experience, while Chaibi and Maza are tasked with creative duties.

Why This Match Matters

This isn’t just a random summer friendly. Both teams are using this game as a tune-up for the 2026 World Cup, which kicks off in just under two weeks. Argentina enters as defending champions and the No. 1 ranked team in FIFA’s world rankings. Algeria, ranked 30th, is looking to prove it can hang with elite competition after a disappointing 2022 World Cup campaign where they failed to advance past the group stage.

For Scaloni, this match is about sharpening his squad’s chemistry. For Petković, it’s about finding a formula that works — even if that means leaving a superstar on the bench.

Kickoff is set for later this evening. All eyes will be on how Algeria’s attack functions without Mahrez, and whether Messi can pick apart a defense that has been solid but untested at this level.