Argentina begin the defence of the World Cup title against Algeria on Tuesday at Kansas City Stadium, aiming to join Italy and Brazil as back-to-back winners, while Lionel Messi stands on the verge of a historic sixth tournament appearance and further records on football’s biggest international stage.

The holders enter the 2026 World Cup as three-time champions, yet Lionel Scaloni has warned that the status brings no advantage, stressing that Argentina must again prove superiority on the pitch to extend a period of success that started with the 2022 triumph in Qatar.

Argentina are chasing a fourth World Cup crown, which would edge closer to Brazil’s five and level Germany and Italy on four. Since Argentina first lifted the trophy in 1978, no country has matched La Albiceleste’s total of titles during that span of tournaments.

Winning again in 2026 would place Argentina alongside Italy between 1934 and 1938 and Brazil between 1958 and 1962, the only teams to secure consecutive World Cups so far, underlining the scale of the challenge as the squad balances ambition with the pressure of expectation.

Messi has already featured in 26 World Cup matches, more than any other player, with 13 goals and 8 assists. If Messi appears against Algeria, Messi would become the first footballer to participate in six World Cup editions, with Cristiano Ronaldo able to reach that figure later in the tournament.

Scaloni highlighted Messi’s influence within the group, underlining how much Argentina still depend on the captain’s performances and leadership. “Leo Messi has always been there for us and has always been fundamental,” added Scaloni. “Now he will be even more important, and he looks in great shape.”

At the pre-match press conference, Scaloni repeated that previous success cannot be a shield. “Being world champions guarantees us nothing,” said Scaloni in his pre-match press conference. Argentina’s staff have stressed that focus, intensity and discipline must match or exceed levels shown during the run in Qatar.

Scaloni expanded on the need to keep standards high despite confidence in recent form. “We have to keep competing the same way and prove again what weve achieved. We want to continue competing with the same mentality and keep showing up when it matters. Were doing well and staying calm. Were confident and know weve arrived in very good form. We already have the experience from 2022, and we know the first match is important, but its not decisive.”

Argentina face Algeria for the first time at a World Cup, though the nations met in a June 2007 friendly at Camp Nou, when Argentina won 4-3 and Messi scored a first international brace, and the current squad now look to extend that positive record while handling the pressure that accompanies defending champions.

As Argentina open the 2026 campaign, the team combine belief from past victories with Scaloni’s cautious approach, aware that early results can shape the path but do not settle the tournament, while Messi’s potential sixth World Cup appearance gives this defence an added layer of historical significance.