“Not only the Argentinian population but everybody — the whole planet — wants to see him play,” Scaloni said before the game. “Everybody wants to see him on the pitch, because he has an effect not only on Argentina fans but supporters all over the world.” Scroll down to read all the latest updates from the Argentina vs Algeria game at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Why Messi playing like Xavi works for Argentina Messi wants to match Messi himself, composing a tribute act to himself. (AP) The pull is irresistible; to win it, to win it again. If Lionel Messi had not lifted the World Cup in Qatar, he would have been just another celebrity guest in the corporate box. But success, unlike failure, lures into reliving the glorious yesterday once more, to kiss the bulbous crown again, to be ferried on the shoulders of his teammates again, or to cry so innocently again. Messi cannot leave his yesterdays behind, and so he is in the US to achieve a rare feat last achieved …