Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni says football fans across the world are eager to watch Lionel Messi play as the superstar prepares to make his 200th appearance for Argentina when the defending champions open their World Cup campaign against Algeria national football team on Tuesday.
Scaloni, who shares roots in Argentina’s Santa Fe province with Messi, said the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner remains a global attraction whose influence extends far beyond Argentine supporters.
“Not only Argentinians but people all over the world want to see him play,” Scaloni said. “Everyone wants to see him on the pitch because he has an impact on football fans everywhere.”
Argentina will begin its title defence at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, with Messi expected to feature despite recently dealing with a minor hamstring problem.
The 39-year-old forward appeared fully fit in Argentina’s final warm-up match against Iceland last week. Coming on as a second-half substitute, he scored from the penalty spot and completed his brief appearance without any issues.
If selected as expected, Messi will reach the milestone of 200 international appearances against Algeria.
“There’s nothing negative to say about him,” Scaloni said. “He’s always there for us and remains a key part of this team.”
Messi's presence has generated huge excitement among fans in Kansas City ahead of the match.
Tapash Chakraborty, owner of an engineering design company, was among supporters hoping to catch a glimpse of the Argentine squad before the game.
“Messi is Messi,” he said. “He is the god of football.”
Messi jerseys have become a common sight throughout the city, with fans wearing shirts from Argentina, his former club FC Barcelona and current club Inter Miami CF.
Michelle Lemmon, who travelled from Missouri with her children to attend World Cup activities, described Messi as the world’s best player and said she was thrilled to have Argentina based in Kansas City during the tournament.
She added that a dream final would see the United States face Argentina.
Many football fans believe the debate over the greatest player of all time often comes down to Messi and Brazilian legend Pelé. A successful World Cup title defence would add another remarkable achievement to Messi’s career.
Only two countries have previously won consecutive World Cups: Italy in the 1930s and Brazil in 1958 and 1962. Argentina came close to repeating the feat four years ago after defeating France in a dramatic final in Qatar.
Veteran defender Nicolás Otamendi said memories of Argentina’s triumph in Qatar continue to inspire the squad.
“The whole country came together during that tournament,” Otamendi said. “Those memories stay with us and motivate us to keep pushing forward. We cannot relax. We have to keep working with humility.”
Otamendi also praised Messi’s attitude, describing him as a humble person who remains fiercely competitive despite his achievements.
“He focuses on training and always wants to win,” Otamendi said. “We want to support him and enjoy playing alongside him. When the match starts, the team must stay united and work together on the field.”