Luca Zidane Defies Messi and Argentina on Eve of Algeria's World Cup Opener

Still bearing the marks of a jaw fracture contracted at the Africa Cup of Nations, Luca Zidane will be in goal for Algeria on Wednesday to face Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the Fennecs’ first match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Granada goalkeeper will play wearing a protective mask, but his mindset remains intact.

“My injury was difficult for me, but now it’s in the past. Today, I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s match,” said Zinédine Zidane’s eldest son on the eve of this confrontation against the reigning world champions. At 28, he is preparing to play in his first World Cup after already representing Algeria at his first Africa Cup of Nations late last year.

The goalkeeper makes no secret of his enthusiasm at the prospect of facing world-class opposition. “We play football to face the best. Tomorrow, we’ll play against the world elite. I’m happy to be here, to play in this World Cup and defend my country. It will be a very fine match,” he said, before insisting that the squad is “ready physically and mentally.”

On a tactical level, Zidane clearly identifies the key to the match: defensive solidity. “We know that not conceding a goal is already a big step in a match. We will try to be solid defensively and, with the attacking qualities we possess, we can hurt them.” A realistic game plan against an Albiceleste led by Messi, which the Algerian goalkeeper approaches with respect but without inferiority: “Messi is part of the elite. Playing against the best is something we’ve been seeking since childhood. But the most important thing remains to focus on ourselves.”