Nothing in the latest reporting confirms Messi as a definite starter or rules him out entirely. That uncertainty could shape how Argentina approach the opener, and how Algeria prepare defensively for one of the tournament's most recognizable attacking threats.
Fans tracking Argentina will likely be watching for official team news, training reports, and any lineup announcements closer to kickoff. Until then, Messi's status for the Algeria game appears to remain an open question rather than a settled call.
