- Argentina still bend their biggest attacking moments toward Messi.
- He can reach a goal through open play, a direct free kick or a penalty, which gives the pick more than one path.
- The only reason this is not a stronger number is the recent fitness question around him.
THE SCORER CALL
Argentina vs Algeria: Who Is Most Likely to Score?
See Nabivo's best goalscorer pick, first-goal prediction, dark horse scorer and bold call for Argentina vs Algeria.
- STAGE
- Group J
- KICKOFF
- June 16, 9:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM PT
- UPDATED
- 2026-06-16T17:39:11Z
- When Messi drops toward the ball, Álvarez is usually the forward attacking the space he leaves behind.
- His pressing and central runs give him a strong chance of reaching Argentina's first clean opening.
- If Algeria collapse around Messi and the central forwards, space can open at the edge of the box.
- Enzo's late arrival and second-ball shooting give him a different route to goal from the headline attackers.
BEST SCORER PICK
SOLIDLionel MessiArgentina36% estimated chance to score
- Argentina still bend their biggest attacking moments toward Messi.
- He can reach a goal through open play, a direct free kick or a penalty, which gives the pick more than one path.
- The only reason this is not a stronger number is the recent fitness question around him.
Projected to start, but Argentina's official XI and Messi's final fitness status are not yet confirmed.
BOLD CALL
Group JLionel Messi scores and Argentina win by at least two goals.Argentina vs Algeria
FIRST GOAL PICK
SOLIDJulián ÁlvarezArgentina17% estimated chance to score first
- When Messi drops toward the ball, Álvarez is usually the forward attacking the space he leaves behind.
- His pressing and central runs give him a strong chance of reaching Argentina's first clean opening.
Projected to start or feature prominently in Argentina's central attack; the official starting XI is not yet confirmed.
DARK HORSE SCORER
SPECULATIVEEnzo FernándezArgentina10% estimated chance to score
- If Algeria collapse around Messi and the central forwards, space can open at the edge of the box.
- Enzo's late arrival and second-ball shooting give him a different route to goal from the headline attackers.
Projected to start in Argentina's midfield; the official starting XI is not yet confirmed.
Sources
Updated: 2026-06-16T17:39:11Z
Nabivo editorial estimates are based on projected role, likely minutes, recent international scoring profile and the matchup. They are not official odds.
- FIFA World Cup 2026 official schedule: Argentina vs Algeria, Group J, June 16, 2026
- FIFA official Argentina World Cup 2026 squad announcement
- FIFA official World Cup 2026 final squad list: Algeria
- FIFA reported a recent fitness concern involving Lionel Messi before the tournament
- Nabivo editorial estimate reviewed June 16, 2026 at 10:39 AM PT; official starting XI not yet confirmed