Why Argentina are convinced 'competitive animal' Lionel Messi is ready to take World Cup by storm - 'He has always been crucial and now even more so'

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Lionel Messi was dubbed a ”competitive animal” who has ”always been crucial” for Argentina ahead of the world champions launching their title defence in North America.

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The 38-year-old Inter Miami star is set to star at his sixth World Cup when Argentina face Algeria in Kansas City in their Group J opener at 2am UK time on Wednesday morning.

Messi was instrumental to his country’s triumph four years ago in Qatar, winning the Golden Ball for his performances as the South Americans lifted the title for the first time since 1986.

Despite his advancing years, Messi’s coach Lionel Scaloni and team-mate Nicolas Otamendi were convinced he will play a key role once again this summer.

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"He's a competitive animal," Otamendi told a press conference.

"He makes you keep trying, he doesn't let you relax."

"We enjoy every moment with him,” he continued. ”He is a humble person who enjoys the team gatherings and training sessions."

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Scaloni added: "Everyone wants to see him out on the pitch, not just Argentinians, because of the impact he has on people.

"He has always been crucial for us and now he will be even more so. He looks good."

Argentina’s bid to retain the World Cup trophy starts with them facing Algeria, Austria and Jordan in Group J.

But Scaloni explained that the experience of 2022, when Argentina suffered a shock opening defeat to Saudi Arabia before going on to win the tournament, means the players are relaxed before their campaign kicks off.

"The last World Cup taught us that the opening game isn't decisive. It's important, sure, but we have the peace of mind of knowing it doesn't end there," said Scaloni.

"We're about to face a very good team with great players, but we're in good shape, we're confident and we're arriving in good form."

Scaloni also pointed to the experience of Argentina’s South American rivals Brazil, who drew their opener 1-1 with Morocco, and Spain’s surprising stalemate against Cabo Verde as warnings against complacency.

"Algeria is an opponent similar to Morocco. They have great players and a great coach," Scaloni added.

"The Brazil-Morocco match is a good example of why we can't be overconfident.

"We've already seen with Spain that there are no easy opponents. Those teams have earned their place at the World Cup and Algeria concerns us because they are a great team."

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