Messi at 38
No player has won back-to-back World Cup titles as captain. Messi, 38, is reportedly in excellent shape after a solid MLS season.
The squad
Julián Álvarez leads the attack alongside Lautaro Martínez, with Enzo Fernández anchoring a strong midfield.
The group
Group J with Algeria, Austria and Jordan looks manageable, but Argentina have a history of slow starts. Follow the Group J table.
Our verdict
Argentina are second favourites behind France. Catch every match on our schedule page.