The Argentine national team's appearance this time is meaningful in that it goes beyond simply defending the title and is a challenge to set a record that will remain in soccer history. The moment Messi steps on the field against Algeria, he will achieve an unprecedented milestone of playing in 6 World Cup finals, and will also achieve a record of playing in 200 international matches in his personal career. Messi, who is currently recording 13 goals in the World Cup, can surpass Miroslav Klose's record of 16 goals and become the sole top scorer if he adds 4 or more goals in this tournament. He already worried fans last month due to a hamstring injury, but he dispelled concerns by proving his health by scoring a penalty kick in a friendly match against Iceland. Coach Scaloni was also optimistic about Messi's health and predicted that he would demonstrate unwavering leadership as the team's central axis in this tournament as well.

Kansas City, USA, the site of the tournament, is already filled with a passionate festival atmosphere for Messi. In particular, the story of three passionate fans who crossed 17,000 kilometers by bicycle over nine and a half months from Argentina to arrive in the United States proves the value of the World Cup beyond sports. Despite the threat of altitude sickness and bomb attacks, those who crossed the continent with a single thought for Messi eventually realized their dream by receiving tickets as a gift thanks to the consideration of the Argentine Football Association. This fan enthusiasm goes beyond simple adoration for an individual and shows what the symbol of Messi means to the Argentine people. In response to this support, the athletes are also preparing for the competition in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere by enjoying 'Asado', a traditional barbecue, watching performances by local singers, and relieving tension before the game.

This World Cup is attracting great attention not only because of Messi's last dance, but also because of the fierce scoring competition with the next generation of runners. France's Kylian Mbappe is putting aside the disappointment of the final in Qatar last year and is once again putting his life on the line to win his first World Cup as captain. Mbappe, who has the best goal-scoring ability by scoring more than 40 goals for his team Real Madrid, is the strongest competitor to Messi's throne. In addition, Norway's 'monster striker' Erling Haaland is also ready to show off his scoring instinct against Iraq in his first World Cup. In this tournament, where Messi's skill and the firepower of emerging powerhouses such as Mbappe and Holland clash, expectations are high that the competition for the top scorer will be more spectacular than ever before.

Of course, the mountain Argentina must overcome to achieve its second consecutive victory is not low at all. The level of difficulty is so extreme that the only countries in soccer history to win the World Cup twice in a row are Italy in the 1930s and Brazil in the 1960s. Powerhouses such as France, Spain, and England, who are mentioned as candidates to win this tournament, are also powerful, and Argentina must use the nightmare of losing their first game four years ago against Saudi Arabia as a starting point. As Coach Scaloni emphasized, what is more important than winning or losing in the first game is maintaining composure and organization throughout the entire competition. Although the prevailing opinion is that Messi is past his physical prime, it is clear that his endless creativity and wide vision are still the most threatening weapons for opposing teams.