Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni feels the team’s experience at the last World Cup has proved the first game is “not fundamental” ahead of their Group J opener against Algeria.
The world champions were beaten by Saudi Arabia in their curtain-raiser in Qatar four years ago before going on to lift the trophy for the third time four weeks later.
Scaloni’s side are among the favourites to retain the title and become the first country since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back men’s global titles.
“Calm because it’s just a game of football,” he said of his team’s frame of mind.
“We have the experience of the last World Cup. The first game is not fundamental. It’s important, but it doesn’t end with the first game.
“We are good, we are calm. We are facing a good team with good players. But we are calm, we are arriving at a good moment.”
Lionel Messi, 38, is fit to play from the start in Kansas City as the team look to make lighter work of their group than they managed in 2022.
The talisman scored seven times at the finals in Qatar, including twice in the final in Lusail against France in a 3-3 draw before the team triumphed on penalties.
“Everyone wants to see Messi on the field, playing,” Scaloni said. “He excites everyone, not just Argentinians.
"From my part, it’ll always be like that. I don’t see anything negative. He’s been in different conditions and has always been here. He’s always been monumental for us, and now he will be even more."
The defeat to Saudi Arabia was one of the surprise results of the last tournament before Argentina emerged from their group following wins against Poland and Mexico.
This year sees them face what should be a manageable task in progressing from a pool that also includes Austria and first-timers Jordan.
“There are no injured players,” Scaloni said. “We will just monitor the case of Nico Tagliafico, if he joins the team for training, but in principle all players are available.
“I never had a problem picking the team. The problem I did have was leaving behind great players. We play with 11 and we try to find balance, so someone is left out but we are good.”
