Lionel Messi will be eager to go out on a high.
| Photo Credit: AFP Lionel Messi’s Argentina will begin its FIFA World Cup defence against Algeria in Group J. Austria and debutant Jordan complete the group. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal is placed in Group K along with Colombia, DR Congo and Uzbekistan. Perennial underachiever England, under Harry Kane, finds itself in a tricky Group L also featuring Croatia, Ghana and Panama. No nation has successfully defended the FIFA World Cup since Brazil’s immortal side of 1962. Sixty-four years later, Argentina arrives in North America with a chance to break that jinx and etch its name alongside football’s most enduring dynasties. Lionel Scaloni’s men topped CONMEBOL qualifying to secure their place at the global showpiece. More importantly, they bring continuity, with as many as 17 members of the squad that conquered Qatar being picked. On paper, they possess one of the tournament’s most complete squads —balanced, battle-tested, and brimming with quality.
Published: June 9, 2026 4:21 pm
Source: The Hindu — Read original