World Cup 2026: Lionel Messi set to face Algeria again after 2007 meeting

Lionel Messi is the only player from the previous Algeria-Argentina encounter who remains at the highest level as the two nations prepare to meet again at the 2026 World Cup.

The two teams will face each other on 17 June at 03:00 French time in one of the most anticipated fixtures of the group stage, with supporters from both countries eagerly awaiting the latest chapter in their history.

The match has brought back memories of their previous meeting, which took place almost 20 years ago during a friendly international match at Camp Nou on 5 June 2007.

Argentina won that game 4-3 in a thrilling encounter, despite a strong performance from Algeria. The match featured several talented players from both sides, but only one name from that night remains involved at the highest level of international football.

That player is Messi.

At the time, the Argentine forward was only 19 years old and still considered a rising star rather than the global icon he would later become. However, he already showed glimpses of his extraordinary ability by scoring twice in the victory over Algeria, finding the net in the 55th and 74th minutes.

Since then, Messi has gone on to build one of the greatest careers in football history. He has won the World Cup, collected multiple Ballon d’Or awards and become one of the most decorated players of his generation.

The majority of players who featured in the 2007 meeting have since retired from international football.

Argentina’s starting XI that day included Abbondanzieri, Burdisso, Ayala, Milito, Pinola, Gago, Cambiasso, Zanetti, Messi, Tévez and Milito.

Algeria lined up with Hadjaoui, Yahia, Bougherra, Bouzid, Méniri, Zarabi, Amri, Mansouri, Belhadj, Ziani and Daham.

Now, nearly two decades later, Messi returns for another encounter with Algeria, this time in a completely different setting and with a new generation of players around him.

The Argentine captain enters the match as a world champion and one of football’s all-time greats, but his ambition to win remains unchanged.

For Algeria, the opportunity represents a chance to create their own memorable moment against one of the strongest teams in international football.

A historic meeting from 2007 is now set to produce a new story on the World Cup stage.