Argentina arrive in Kansas City as reigning world champions and among the tournament favourites, carrying the weight of expectation that has followed them since Lionel Messi lifted the trophy in Lusail. Messi himself remains the gravitational centre of everything Argentina do — his movement between the lines, his ability to unlock defences with a single pass, and his penchant for the decisive moment make him the most dangerous man on any pitch he graces. Around him, Julián Álvarez offers relentless pressing and clinical finishing, while the fullbacks push high to create the wide overloads that give Argentina their characteristic rhythm.

Algeria, known as the Desert Warriors, are no strangers to punching above their weight on the biggest stage. Their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations triumph demonstrated a squad capable of tactical discipline and collective resolve, and they will look to their experienced core to frustrate and absorb before striking on the counter. The memory of their stunning group-stage exit of England at Brazil 2014 — or rather their emergence from that tournament — shows a side capable of dramatic moments when the belief is right.

The only previous meeting between these sides ended 4-3 to Argentina in a 2007 friendly, a scoreline that hints at the attacking intent both nations can produce.

Tactically, watch for Algeria's mid-block to compress the central channels and force Argentina wide, inviting crosses rather than combinations through the lines. Whether Messi can find pockets of space inside that structure is the defining question.

Prediction: Argentina win a controlled but not entirely comfortable 2-0, with Messi leaving his fingerprints on at least one of the goals.