2026 FIFA World Cup: Group J - Argentina vs. Algeria

that was satisfying

players kept slipping

 

Zidane must be living in suspended animation. He looks 50 since 1998-present.

 

I thought enzo played well, nico paz just came on

 

Mbappe will more than likely end up being at the top but let's be honest here...

2006 Messi got 1 goal but he was a sub off the bench. The goal counts but we don't count him being there.

2010- Diego was the coach. Automatically null and void.

2014- Sabella's team, Messi, 4 goals. This stands.

2018- Sampa was the coach. Scored 1 goal. Goal stands but the World Cup is also voided.

2020- Messi scored 7 goals, this clearly stands and so does his performance.

2022- 3 goals and this stands as well..

So, if we are being honest, Messi has scored 16 in 3 World Cups. And it is an irrefutable fact.

 

If Paredes to hit his rocket, this WC official wrapped up for Pekerman.

 

just had a discussion with this my family today, if our organization was more stable and messi was given the stability like mbappe and yamal had since they were 17 and like messi has had since scaloni there's no reason he shouldn't have 30+ goals by now

 

We already broke the tradition of having terrible first game. This was the first convincing win for Argentina in opening game since 1994. Its been that long.

 

Paz has that mentality where he wants to prove himself so badly he just miss passes and barrels over players. Scaloni needs to just tell him "Relax and just play like how you've played this season..." He wants to make a point so badly. But he just needs to play more calmly.

I hope to never see Almada again.
Lautaro was awful. He seems to play well in the Copa America's but for the Mundial... The guy is just awful.

But we need to have others playing at a higher level. We cannot rely on Messi. Algeria got a bit too free in dangerous moments. If it was a better opponent, we would've been in major trouble. But it's the first game. Let's just shake off the nerves and go and win the next match.

We have to play much better v Austria. I want to see a more faster pace.

 

Austria will make us pay for some of that sloppiness and softness on defense. The good news is Messi brought his shooting boots clearly and he was able to sub off early. We also were able to ease in guys like Julian and Nico Paz, which should pay off later.

 

Thank God Messi is ours.

 

the goat comes through again

 

Papu Almada.

 

Honestly, Licha seems to be more consistent performer than Cuti. I mean Cuti is solid when he's really 100% into it but he often has tendency to sleepwalking and taking the game too lightly. We didnt have clean sheet against Brazil at home because of his complacency.

RDP clearly still have something left in the tank. Although once he gets tired, he's starts passing to the wrong color.

 

I respect Messi’s greatness, but I’m fully convinced he’s going goal‑less this World Cup and Argentina are getting grouped. He holds them back.

Bookmark this and come back when it happens.

— ۟ (@vermilionpixie) June 16, 2026

 

Anyone know what this is about?

 

View attachment 336004

 

I've watched just about every match RDP has played for Inter Miami. Those who want to can keep saying he's done, but that's not the player I see. Outside of Messi, the best player in the match. He simply dwarfed Enzo and Mac. Neither had a bad match, but I expect them to weigh a little heavier on the outcome of the match. Let's hope they pick up their level as RDP fades a bit...
Almada is officially on notice. I almost want to say already that we won't be seeing too much of him from Scaloni going forward. If given another chance, he really needs to impress.
Lautaro did a lot a lot of dirty work that goes unnoticed in the box score...much better than Julian who was fairly nonexistent.
Overall, a professional performance that I've come to expect from Scaloni's men.

 

Lautaro needs more runners around him. Messi and Lautaro in attack is not enough. Need Alvarez and or Simeone to run wide.

Almada was not doing that. He was poor. Lautaro is elite when used in better formation.

 

Yea, Almada hasnt been functioning post Brazil game.

Also, Lautaro often rely on short passing play . He isnt traditional 9 like Haaland, R9, Bati, & Crespo who can spring forward with speed just to put the finishing touch.

There's no denying he looked nervous because of his terrible performance in 2022. We cant rely on Messi's magic every matches. Somebody needs to step up like Julian in 2022. There's no Angelito this time.

 

And they all use the same still that ignores the context of the whole foul.