PREVIEW: Messi and Argentina target back-to-back World Cups | OneFootball

Argentina are aiming to become just the third nation to win back-to-back World Cups when they begin their title defence against Algeria in Kansas City.

Lionel Messi and co. would follow in the footsteps of the legendary Brazil side of 1962 and Italy’s iconic 1938 squad if they were to secure a second straight triumph on the world stage.

Messi’s future has been at the centre of debate amidst speculation he could call time on his illustrious career following the competition. Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni insisted the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will “play until he wants” ahead of the tournament.

La Albiceleste, as they’re referred to due to the colours of their jersey, surged to victory in Qatar four years ago after edging past holders France in the final on penalties and in turn ended a 36-year wait to land the game’s greatest prize.

The world champions extended their golden age of silverware when they beat Italy in the Finalissima before adding a second successive Copa America trophy two years later, taking their total to four trophies in three years.

Despite their success in the Middle East and beyond, Scaloni has not been shy in shaking up the travelling party, altogether making nine changes from Qatar.

Paulo Dybala is the headline exclusion, with the Roma technician even snubbed for the preliminary 55-man squad despite his strong end to the Serie A campaign.

Scaloni justified Dybala’s absence by suggesting there were a number of younger players who “deserve an opportunity” yet there was no room on the plane for Real Madrid’s Franco Mastantuono.

Emi Buendia may have felt he did enough in Aston Villa’s Europa League victory to force his way into the group but he, alongside Chelsea’s Alejandro Garnacho, didn’t make the cut.

Marco Senesi’s omission was equally surprising given the reigning champions don’t have the strongest array of defensive talent and the centre-back has had an excellent season with Bournemouth.

However when the Argentine’s kick off their campaign in the States they’ll still possess one of the finest arsenals in the tournament.

Lautaro Martinez is in impressive form having clinched another Scudetto with Inter Milan whilst Julian Alvarez’s displays have attracted the interest of Barcelona. The Atletico Madrid forward is one of six Los Colchoneros inclusions.

There’s plenty of excitement around Como’s Nico Paz and Strasbourg’s Valentin Barco, with the latter expected to join Chelsea this summer.

After suffering defeat to Saudi Arabia in Lusail, Scaloni’s men will know no game is a given at this level but they are in one of the more favourable groups on paper.

Algeria may have swept through qualifying but Vladimir Petkovic’s side were comfortably beaten by Nigeria in the AFCON quarter finals whilst many of Austria’s key operators are ageing. Jordan are one of four countries making their World Cup debut.

The holders will start their defence against Algeria in Kansas City in the early hours of Wednesday 17th of June (BST). They’ll then travel to Dallas for their final two group matches, facing Austria five days later before meeting Jordan on Sunday 28th June.