The FIFA World Cup continues on Tuesday as the opening game of Group J will feature the defending champions, Argentina, taking on Algeria.
Throughout the World Cup, DraftKings Network will be highlighting some of the stars of the tournament, tracking their performances in all of their matches. Here’s how Messi performed against Algeria:
Argentina vs. Algeria odds
Argentina are a -195 favorite to claim all three points at DraftKings Sportsbook, and Algeria is +600. There are +320 odds that the teams will share the spoils.
Lionel Messi prop bets, odds
- 1st Goalscorer: +330
- Anytime Goalscorer: +110
- 2+ Goals: +600
- Shots: 2+ (-1600), 3+ (-425), 4+ (-170), 5+ (+130), 6+ (+270)
- Shots on Target: 1+ (-525), 2+ (-115), 3+ (+270), 4+ (+800)
- Assists: 1+ (+195)
Tracking Messi
Follow along as DK Network tracks Messi’s performance against Algeria! This section will be updated.
FT: Argentina 3-0 Algeria. It was Messi’s night as the defending champions get off to a great start in Group J.
78′: And that’s the end of the night for Lionel Messi, as he’s subbed off for Nico Paz. He finished the night with six shots, four shots on target and three goals. Just another day at the office for the GOAT.
75′: GOAL FOR ARGENTINA. We are witnessing greatness. Lionel Messi gets the ball on his left foot on the edge of the box once again, and you know what happens next. Messi finds the bottom corner, and has his hat trick. At 38 years old, this is just incredible. He is now tied with Miroslav Klose for the most World Cup goals of all time with 16. Messi 3-0 Algeria.
65′: So close to his third. Messi is played in behind the Algerian defense and has a one vs. one opportunity against the goalkeeper. This time he’s denied, as his shot is saved and the ball goes out of play for a corner.
59′: GOAL FOR ARGENTINA. Mama, there goes that man. Alexis Mac Allister finds the ball at his feet on the edge of the box and rips a shot that is parried by the goalkeeper. Guess who’s following the shot and knocks home the rebound? None other than Lionel Messi, who gets his second goal of the night.
50′: Algeria gives Messi more space on the edge of the box, and he takes another shot. This time, it sails over the crossbar.
HT: Argentina 1-0 Algeria. There wasn’t too much action for the remainder of the half. Messi finished the first half with just one shot, which found the back of the net. Algeria are definitely playing their part in this game. Let’s see what the second half has in store.
16′: GOAL FOR ARGENTINA. Who else? It’s Lionel Messi. He gets the ball in space running towards the box, and hits a shot with his left foot that goes in the top corner. Messi picks up right where he left off in 2022, and Argentina leads 1-0.
7′: The ball is in the back of the net for the second time tonight, this time it’s Algeria. Unfortunately for them, it’s also offside. What a start to this contest.
4′: Messi has the ball in the back of the net already, but he’s offside. An early warning sign for Algeria.
1′: And we’re off! We have kickoff in Kansas City, and the first game of Group J in the 2026 World Cup is underway.
Additional World Cup Coverage
For additional World Cup coverage from the DraftKings Network, check out the World Cup landing page here:
- Argentina World Cup 2026 Squad Announced: Lionel Messi In, Franco Mastantuono Out
- Argentina vs. Algeria prediction, pick for Tuesday 6/16/26
- 2026 World Cup Group J Preview: Predictions, Odds, Top Scorers
NOTE: Prop bet rulings are subject to official scoring and could change after the match.
