Messi set for historic 200th cap as Argentina open World Cup defence against Algeria

Lionel Messi is poised to reach 200 caps for Argentina when the defending World Cup champions open their title defence against Algeria at Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium on Tuesday night. Coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed Messi is fit and available after the forward came through a minor hamstring issue in the build-up to the tournament.

Messi’s fitness had been a concern heading into the competition, but he eased those worries during last week’s final warm-up against Iceland at Auburn’s Jordan-Hare Stadium. Introduced as a second-half substitute, he scored from the penalty spot within minutes of coming on and completed 20 minutes without any setbacks.

“There’s nothing negative to say,” Scaloni said. “He’s always been there, and he’s essential for us. He’s going to remain that way.”

Scaloni, who like Messi hails from the Argentine province of Santa Fe and whose own path passed through Newell’s Old Boys, spoke with evident admiration about the global appetite for his captain. “Not only the Argentinian population but everybody — the whole planet — wants to see him play,” the coach said. “Everybody wants to see him on the pitch, because he has an effect not only on Argentina fans but supporters all over the world.”

For many observers, this World Cup is expected to be Messi’s last opportunity to wear Argentina’s light blue and white stripes on football’s biggest stage, lending Tuesday’s opener an added sense of occasion.

That feeling was tangible in Kansas City on Monday, where fans gathered at a pre-match event hoping to catch a glimpse of the squad. Tapash Chakraborty, a 57-year-old engineering company owner, was among those present. “Messi is Messi,” he said. “He is the god of football.”

Messi shirts were everywhere — old Barcelona kits, Inter Miami strips and Argentina jerseys all bearing the famous No. 10. Michelle Lemmon drove 160 miles from Kirksville, Missouri, with her four children to mark her 42nd birthday in Kansas City ahead of the match. “We’re all Messi fans. He’s the best player in the world,” she said.

Messi has not spoken publicly since Argentina’s squad assembled for the tournament approximately two weeks ago. Barring any late setback, his milestone 200th appearance will come against Algeria, known as Les Fennecs, in what promises to be one of the most-watched fixtures of the group stage.