Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni keeps the squad calm as the team heads to Kansas City for its opening World Cup match against Algeria. He confirmed that Lionel Messi, Emiliano Martínez and Julián Álvarez are fit after recent injuries, setting a tone of confidence before the first group game.

Scaloni stressed that the team’s experience from the last World Cup keeps pressure low. He praised Messi’s readiness, noting the striker’s mild hamstring strain is under control. Martínez is expected to start despite a fractured ring finger, while Álvarez’s ankle recovery has cleared him for Tuesday’s debut.

Only Nicolás Tagliafico remains under observation, as he missed Monday’s training. Scaloni said no other players are injured, and the lineup will be announced after the session. Argentina will face Algeria on June 16 before confronting Austria and Jordan in Group J of the 2026 World Cup.

With Messi, Martínez and Álvarez back, Argentina looks poised to leverage veteran skill against Algeria’s rising firepower. The calm approach signals a strategic focus on steady play rather than spectacle. The team’s readiness will be tested as they aim to secure a top spot in Group J and advance beyond the group stage.