Messi, Martinez and Alvarez fit for Argentina's World Cup opener

Defending champions Argentina head into their World Cup Group J opener with a significant boost, as head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed that his star trio — Lionel Messi, Emiliano Martinez, and Julian Alvarez — are all fully fit and available for selection.

Concerns over Messi’s minor hamstring strain, Alvarez’s ankle issues, and Martinez’s fractured finger have been dismissed. The 26-man squad is reporting a clean bill of health, with only veteran defender Nicolas Tagliafico requiring a final assessment before the matchday squad is finalised.

«Calm because it's just a game of football. We have the experience of the last World Cup, the first game is not fundamental. It's important, but it doesn't end with the first game». Lionel Scaloni

Scaloni described Messi’s presence as "monumental" for the team and the tournament as a whole. Despite the heavy external pressure on the reigning champions, the manager is preaching calm, emphasizing that the team is arriving at the tournament in a strong moment following seven consecutive victories in their lead-up matches.

Argentina faces a stern defensive test against Algeria, who enter the Group J opener on an impressive 393-minute clean-sheet streak. Securing a cohesive opening victory is viewed as paramount for the Albiceleste to establish early momentum before facing further group tests against Austria and Jordan.