Kansas City, Jun 17 (V7N) – Lionel Messi is set to achieve another remarkable milestone as he makes his 200th appearance for Argentina in the team's opening FIFA World Cup match against Algeria at Kansas City Stadium.
With the landmark appearance, Messi becomes only the third player in football history to reach 200 international matches. The Argentine captain joins Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo and former Kuwait forward Bader Al-Mutawa on the exclusive list.
The occasion carries added significance as Messi becomes the first player ever to make his 200th international appearance at a FIFA World Cup.
The match also marks Messi’s sixth World Cup campaign, making him the first player in men's World Cup history to participate in six editions of the tournament. Cristiano Ronaldo and Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa could equal the feat if they feature in the current competition.
Defending champions Argentina begin their title defense against Algeria, with head coach Lionel Scaloni naming a strong starting lineup led by captain Messi and striker Lautaro Martínez.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez starts in goal, while Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez and Facundo Medina form the defensive unit.
The midfield consists of Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister and Thiago Almada, with Messi and Lautaro Martínez leading the attack.
As Argentina takes the field for its World Cup opener, the spotlight will firmly be on Messi, whose 200th international appearance adds yet another historic chapter to one of football’s greatest careers.
END/SMA/AJ
