Lionel Messi's hamstring will be the subject of intense scrutiny as Argentina launch their World Cup title defence against Algeria on Tuesday night – a match that kicks off at 2am BST for British viewers.
The reigning champions face Algeria in their Group J opener at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, with manager Lionel Scaloni expected to have his captain available despite the persistent issue. Messi will be surrounded by a settled squad featuring Lautaro Martínez, Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister and goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez.
“Argentina begin World Cup defence against Algeria with Messi nursing a hamstring, as France seek to banish 2002 demons.”
Algeria, under manager Vladimir Petković, enter the contest as clear underdogs in a challenging fixture. The match will be broadcast free-to-air in the UK on ITV1 (STV in Scotland) and streamed via ITVX and the STV Player for licence holders. In the US, FOX holds English-language rights, with Spanish coverage on Telemundo and Universo.
Elsewhere, France begin their campaign hoping to banish the demons of their shock defeat in the 2002 tournament opener – a result that still haunts Les Bleus as they face Senegal in what promises to be another stern test.