Best Bet: Argentina WIN $1.36 · Value: Lionel Messi to Score or Assist $1.70
Published 17 June 2026 · Odds: Sportsbet · 18+
Defending champions Argentina open their campaign in Kansas City, where Lionel Messi — at his final World Cup in all likelihood — will be the focal point of a motivated Albiceleste squad hungry to retain the trophy. There is an unmistakable emotional weight to this moment: the greatest player in the history of the game, with a World Cup winners’ medal already around his neck, returning to defend that title on the grandest stage. Argentina’s squad chemistry is built on the bonds forged in Qatar 2022 and nurtured through Copa América success since. There is no rebuilding phase, no uncertainty about identity — only a settled, experienced, collectively brilliant group fully aware of what is at stake. The hunger to retain the trophy is the defining quality of this Argentina side.
Argentina’s attacking depth is genuinely world-class. Messi, operating in his free No. 10 role, remains the most inventive player on the planet — but the supporting cast is equally formidable. Julián Álvarez, the Man City striker who was instrumental in Argentina’s 2022 triumph with four goals in the tournament, brings relentless pressing and lethal finishing inside the area. Ángel Di María, the veteran winger who scored the historic second goal in the World Cup final against France, brings experience and match-winning quality in big moments. The midfield, anchored by Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister, has been refined over years of competitive football and provides the engine for everything Argentina do going forward. The cohesion built since 2022 makes them arguably the most well-oiled attacking unit at the tournament.
Algeria arrive as credible opponents on the African stage — regular AFCON semi-finalists and title contenders, physical, organised, and difficult to break down. Their defensive structure is disciplined and they are well-coached, with players who compete hard and make life difficult for opponents. They are not a passive opponent. However, the step up in quality from African competition to facing a Messi-led Argentina in a World Cup group match is enormous. The pace, the technical precision, the tactical versatility — everything Argentina bring is of a different magnitude to what Algeria face in confederation football. Islam Slimani remains a threat at set pieces and can hold up play, but the reality is that Algeria will spend the majority of this match defending and hoping for a moment of vulnerability that is unlikely to materialise.
Our read is straightforward: Argentina win, and Messi will be involved in the goals. At $1.36, the Argentina win is unambiguously the right bet — the odds reflect reality. The better value play, and the one that adds genuine interest, is Messi to score or assist at approximately $1.70. In what is his last dance on the World Cup stage, Messi has every reason to be at his brilliant best — and Algeria’s deep defensive block will ultimately create the pockets of space where he is most dangerous. Combine both markets as your Argentina vs Algeria double, or take each independently. Either way, back the champions and back their greatest-ever player to be the decisive figure.
Anytime goalscorer and score/assist markets. Our picks highlighted in green.
| Player | Team | Anytime Scorer | Score or Assist |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lionel Messi | Argentina | $2.20 | $1.70 ⭐ |
| Julián Álvarez | Argentina | $2.50 | $1.95 |
| Ángel Di María | Argentina | — | $2.80 |
| Islam Slimani | Algeria | $5.00 | — |
Argentina: Squad fully fit and settled. No confirmed absences heading into the tournament opener. Algeria: Full squad reported as available — confirm the official team sheet in the 24 hours before kick-off.
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Tips are editorial opinions only. Odds correct at time of publishing — always confirm before placing. 18+ only. Gamble responsibly. Gambling Help: 1800 858 858 · gamblinghelponline.org.au.