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has managed since Brazil in 1962 -- winning back-to-back World Cups.

Now 38, Lionel Messi is set to make history by appearing in a record sixth World Cup. The Argentine captain, who climbed football’s highest mountain in Qatar, insists his hunger remains intact.

“I’m happy, savouring every moment and excited as ever,” Messi said recently.

Scaloni has largely maintained faith in the squad that conquered the world four years ago. If left-back Nicolas Tagliafico recovers from his recent muscle injury, Argentina could field a starting eleven almost identical from the 2022 World Cup-winning side.

However, memories of their stunning opening defeat to Saudi Arabia in Qatar remain fresh, and Algeria will hope to create a similar upset. The North Africans arrive unbeaten in four matches and boosted by the confidence of young attacking midfielder Ibrahim Maza, nicknamed “Mazadona”, who boldly declared his team can “beat Messi”.

A few hours earlier, France will begin their Group I campaign against Senegal, with Kylian Mbappe once again carrying the expectations of a nation seeking a third World Cup crown.

Despite enduring criticism after a trophyless debut season at Real Madrid, Mbappe’s record on football’s grandest stage remains extraordinary. The 27-year-old has scored 12 goals in just 14 World Cup appearances and is only four goals away from Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup record of 16.

The French captain has received strong backing from within the squad, with teammate Ousmane Dembele describing the criticism aimed at him as unfair.

For France, the tournament also marks the final World Cup under Didier Deschamps, the coach who guided Les Bleus to glory in 2018 and the final in 2022.

The road to another final is long, but on the opening night for the champions of the last two editions, the world will once again watch the two modern giants of international football begin their pursuit of history.