The Argentines are among the many favorites to win in Qatar and victory would fill the one gaping gap in his resume. But a win or a draw Tuesday towards Saudi Arabia, one of many weakest groups within the event, would give Argentina a record-tying end result.

Argentina arrived in Qatar on a 36-match unbeaten streak, one shy of tying Italy’s report in worldwide males’s soccer, set from 2018-21. Argentina has not misplaced since falling to Brazil 2-0 within the 2019 Copa América. Argentina first received the World Cup in 1978, after which once more in 1986 — one yr earlier than Messi was born. The staff reached the ultimate in 2014 and misplaced to Germany, and in a bitter follow-up 4 years later was eradicated within the spherical of 16 in Russia.

Messi, in the meantime, is one in all 4 gamers making their fifth World Cup look. He joins Portugal ahead Cristiano Ronaldo, and Mexico teammates Guillermo Ochoa and Andrés Guardado.

Saudi Arabia was eradicated within the first spherical in 2018, opening with a 5-0 loss to host Russia. In a troublesome Group C that features Mexico and Poland, the Saudis will probably be making an attempt to advance out of the group stage for less than the second time, after 1994. The staff has received two of its final 10 matches.

#Qatar2022 ¡Comienza el sueño mundialista!

🗓 Grupo C – Fecha 1
⚽️ @Argentina 🇦🇷 – #ArabiaSaudita 🇸🇦
🕗 7.00
🏟️ Lusail
👨‍⚖️ Slavko Vincic (Eslovenia)
📝 https://t.co/6e14eEbunm pic.twitter.com/5aFthvDB4b

— Selección Argentina 🇦🇷 (@Argentina) November 22, 2022

DEFENDING CHAMPS

Defending champion France opens play Tuesday towards Australia in a rematch from 4 years in the past. France received 2-1 in Russia when Paul Pogba’s shot within the 81st minute deflected in off a defender for an own-goal. Pogba just isn’t within the squad following knee surgical procedure, and France can be down one other two stars with N’Golo Kante and Karim Benzema sidelined.

France does anticipate defender Raphael Varane to play following a hamstring harm he picked up in October.

Kylian Mbappé is able to lead France to back-to-back titles. He was solely 19 when he scored within the closing and helped France win the World Cup 4 years in the past. With 28 worldwide objectives, Mbappé desires so as to add to his depend within the Group D opener.

Footage of les Bleus’ first coaching train final night time #FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/qEvbnpI2aN

— French Team ⭐⭐ (@FrenchTeam) November 20, 2022

However, France arrived in Qatar with just one win in its final six video games.

Australia barely made the World Cup discipline and wanted a dramatic penalty shootout win over Peru within the playoffs. The Socceroos have been eradicated from the group stage in 4 of 5 earlier appearances.

OTHER GAMES

Mexico faces Poland, whereas Denmark performs Tunisia on the primary of 11 consecutive days by which 4 video games are performed every day.

Poland superior to the World Cup behind striker Robert Lewandowski, who scored 9 objectives with 4 assists in qualifying. His 13 direct-goal involvements had been twice as many as any teammate.

He’s by no means scored within the World Cup, although, as Poland completed final in its group in 2018. The Barcelona striker is raring to seek out the web in Qatar.

“I think about the last World Cup for sure,” Lewandowski mentioned. “To score at a World Cup would be a huge dream and I’m going to do everything for this dream. I hope in this World Cup it will happen. I am glad for everything I have achieved and these memories for the World Cup, so now is the time to enjoy.” Poland final superior out of group stage in 1986.

Mexico, in the meantime, has superior out of group play in every of its previous eight appearances, final failing to maneuver on in 1978. The nationwide staff has additionally received its opening match in 5 of its previous six World Cups.

Christian Eriksen figures to play for Denmark towards Tunisia, 17 months after he was revived on the sector throughout the European Championship.

The Manchester United midfielder’s presence will probably be inspirational for Denmark, which sailed via its World Cup qualifying group by profitable its first 9 video games — with clear sheets via the primary eight.

Tunisia has been robust at holding video games tight however its World Cup report isn’t nice: Tunisia has misplaced 60% of its World Cup video games (9 out of 15), trailing solely Saudi Arabia and Australia.

OUTSIDE CHAOS

The first few days of the World Cup have been been marred by logistical snags, the most recent on Monday when followers complained their tickets to the England-Iran match had vanished from their cell FIFA utility.

Long traces grew exterior the Khalifa International Stadium about an hour earlier than kickoff with followers livid they may not get inside.

The night time earlier than, the official fan zone shortly grew to become overcrowded throughout the opening match between host nation Qatar and Ecuador. Tens of 1000’s of followers pushed and shoved towards police traces to enter the venue, one of many few locations the place followers might buy beer and watch the sport.

DAVIES UPDATE

Canada coach John Herdman is predicted to provide a medical replace on Tuesday relating to Alphonso Davies, who arrived in Qatar final week after receiving therapy on a hamstring pressure he picked up this month whereas enjoying for Bayern Munich.

Alphonso Davies (Reuters)

Bayern has mentioned Davies’ participation in Qatar was “not at risk,” however he has not performed for the reason that Nov. 5 harm.

“My mission is to make sure he plays at this World Cup, it’s a childhood dream for him,” Herdman mentioned. “And not to put him in a position where he’s unsafe.” Read up on all 32 groups enjoying on the World Cup.