Messi World Cup Pick, Stats for Argentina vs. Algeria: Messi’s Last Dance?

The reigning World Cup champions open their 2026 tournament later on Tuesday against Algeria. Lionel Messi will make his record sixth World Cup appearance in what could be the final international tourney of his career.

Despite his age, Messi continues to perform at a high level and was leading MLS in goal contributions before joining Argentina's World Cup camp last month. The captain suffered hamstring tightness in his final club appearance and remained a doubt for Scaloni's opening lineup until early this morning.

Messi logged just 20 minutes in Argentina's final pre-tournament friendly against Iceland but made an immediate impact, playing a key pass that led to a penalty he then converted himself. He was also involved in the build-up to Argentina's third goal of the match.

Messi's presence, playmaking, and quality remain central to Argentina's attack and should be crucial to La Albiceleste's bid to defend their World Cup title.

Below, we’ll break down the best Messi picks and projections on PrizePicks for Argentina’s opening Group J match in World Cup 2026 vs. Algeria. 

Make your Messi picks and predictions for Argentina vs. Algeria on PrizePicks.

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Top Lionel Messi Picks for Argentina vs. Algeria in World Cup – Tuesday, June 16

Here is a top Lionel Messi pick for Tuesday’s Argentina vs. Algeria match in Group J of World Cup 2026, via PrizePicks.

Argentina FW Messi vs Algeria: 0.5 Goals

• Messi enters the tournament in excellent form, scoring in five of his last six appearances for club and country.
• Argentina’s captain led his squad with 8 goals in 10 World Cup qualifier starts from 2023 to 2025. He averaged a team-high 3.8 shots per game and 6 big chances created.
• Argentina and Algeria have matched up once before Tuesday’s match in an international friendly back in 2007. Messi scored 2 goals in Argentina’s 4-3 victory.
• Messi won the Silver Boot at the 2022 World Cup with 7 goals in the competition. He scored Argentina’s lone goal in the infamous previous World Cup opener against Saudi Arabia. He's now scored in Argentina’s opener in two of his last three World Cups.
• Algeria kept a clean sheet in each of their final four pre-tournament friendlies, including matches against the Netherlands and Uruguay.
• The Greens conceded less than 1 goal per game during CAF qualifiers and AFCON.
• Messi's goal-scoring opportunities may increase as the designated set piece and penalty taker for Argentina. 

More Messi Projections vs. Algeria for World Cup 2026 

Here are some other top Messi projections vs. Algeria in their Group J opener. How will the World Cup 2026 Golden Boot contender fare?

Lock in your Messi and Argentina vs. Algeria picks on PrizePicks before kickoff.

• 49.5 Passes Attempted
• 5.5 Shots (Demon)
• 2.5 Shots on Target (Demon)
• 4.5 Attempted Dribbles
• 2.5 Shots Assisted
• 22 Fantasy Score
• 1.5 Tackles (Demon)
• 0.5 Assists (Demon)
• 1.5 Goal + Assist (Demon)
• 2.5 Fouls Drawn (Demon)
• 0.5 Offsides (Demon)
• 0.5 Cards (Demon)

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Make Argentina vs. Algeria World Cup 2026 Picks on PrizePicks

Fans around the world will be watching as Messi and Argentina begin their quest to win back-to-back World Cup titles. Expect the Argentine legend to make his presence felt from the opening whistle on Tuesday evening.

Don’t wait until lock. Make your Argentina vs. Algeria picks on PrizePicks now and earn real money if you’re right on every World Cup game.

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