World Cup what to know: Argentina’s Lionel Messi kicks off expected last hurrah against Algeria

Argentina begins its bid for a second consecutive World Cup title on Tuesday against Algeria in Kansas City, Missouri, marking Lionel Messi's likely final World Cup appearance. The 39-year-old star, who led Argentina to the 2022 title, aims to become the first back-to-back champion since Brazil in 1962 while chasing Miroslav Klose's goal record.

Getting your Trinity Audio //trinityaudio.ai player ready...By JOHN MARSHALL , Associated Press Argentina’s bid to become the first back-to-back World Cup champion in 62 years begins on Tuesday. The match against Algeria in Kansas City, Missouri, also marks the start of the sixth and possibly final World Cup for Lionel Messi. One of the best players of a generation turns 39 later this month and is widely expected to retire from international competition following this year’s expanded 48-team tournament. Messi added the one thing missing from his impressive résumé with the 2022 World Cup win in Qatar. Now he’s hoping to lead the Argentines to the first consecutive World Cup titles since Brazil in 1962. Messi needs four more goals to surpass Germany’s Miroslav Klose’s World Cup record of 16, but his body is starting to show signs of wear. He’s been dealing with muscle fatigue and a hamstring strain that led to his substitution during Inter Miami’s final match before the World Cup. Messi sat out Argentina’s friendly against Honduras in hopes of being healthy for what will likely be his last hurrah on the World Cup stage. What to watch on June 16 — France vs. Senegal, noon PDT in East Rutherford, New Jersey Fox/Telemundo/Peacock — Iraq vs. Norway, 3 p.m. PDT in Foxborough, Massachusetts Fox/Telemundo/Peacock — Argentina vs. Algeria, 6 p.m. PDT in Kansas City, Missouri FS1/Telemundo/Peacock — Austria vs. Jordan, 9 p.m. PDT in Santa Clara, California FS1/Telemundo/Peacock