Argentina vs Algeria Predictions

Argentina and Algeria clash in Kansas City as the world champions start the defence of the title they won in Qatar four years ago. 

Lionel Messi was the star in the middle east in 2022, but the Argentine great is now in the twilight of his career and it’s a wonder as to how much impact the 38-year-old can still have on a major international tournament. 

There is talent in other areas of the Argentina squad, with Emiliano Martinez in goal and Julian Alvarez in attack, but a central defensive partnership of the erratic Christian Romero and aged Nicolas Otamendi doesn’t convince. 

Alexis Mac Allister may be asked to shield Lionel Scaloni’s backline, but the Liverpool midfielder will be in unfamiliar territory and lacks the physical presence to break up opposition attacks. 

La Seleccion qualified for the World Cup with ease, but there were defeats to Uruguay, Colombia, Paraguay and Ecuador and this is not an unbeatable Argentina side. 

Algeria have lost only one of their last 17 matches and the Greens are a defensive robust side with the star quality of Riyad Mahrez in attack. 

Of course, a clash against the world championship is a step up in class, but this may not be as easy a task for Argentina as the odds suggest.