Argentina Seeks to Restore South America’s Pride Against Algeria

World champion Argentina will face Algeria overnight between Tuesday and Wednesday at 4:00 a.m., with Lionel Messi expected to start. The match is being framed as more than a bid for another win, as Argentina tries to restore South American pride after a historically poor start for the continent’s teams in the tournament.

So far, South American sides have played four matches without a single victory. Brazil drew Morocco, Uruguay drew Saudi Arabia, while Paraguay lost to the United States and Ecuador lost to Ivory Coast. That is the region’s worst opening since 1974, when the continent’s teams recorded one draw and three losses. In that 1974 World Cup, three European teams finished in the top four, with West Germany beating the Netherlands in the final and Poland defeating Brazil for third place.

Argentina appears close to full strength for coach Lionel Scaloni, with only injured defender Nicolas Tagliafico expected to miss out. The team won both of its warm-up matches before meeting an Algerian side making its World Cup return for the first time since 2014.

Algeria will be weakened as well, since Borussia Dortmund defender Rami Bensebaini is out with an ankle injury. Argentina’s projected lineup includes Emiliano Martinez, Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Facundo Medina, Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Thiago Almada, Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martinez. Algeria’s expected XI features Luka Zidane, Rami Bensebaini’s replacement on the left, Riyad Mahrez, Amin Gouiri and Mohamed Amoura among others.