LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Argentina captain Lionel Messi is expected to start Tuesday’s FIFA World Cup opener against Algeria after recovering from a recent muscle strain.
The 38-year-old had been a fitness concern in the build-up to the tournament but has returned to full training and is expected to lead the defending champions in their opening Group J fixture.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni expressed confidence in Messi’s condition ahead of the match, while defender Nicolás Otamendi praised the captain’s determination, describing him as “a competitive animal” whose leadership continues to inspire the squad.
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If named in the starting XI, Messi will make a record sixth FIFA World Cup appearance as Argentina begin their quest to retain the title they won in Qatar in 2022.
The Argentine Football Association had not released its official team sheet at the time of writing, but local media reports indicated that Messi was set to feature from the start.
Argentina will be hoping their captain’s experience and influence can help them make a strong start as they bid to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup title.
