arts
World Cup what to know: Argentina’s Lionel Messi kicks off expected last hurrah against Algeria
By Rubén Rosario at WSVN 7 News
· June 16, 2026
· 5 min read
(AP) — Argentina’s bid to become the first back-to-back World Cup champion in 62 years begins on Tuesday. The match against Algeria in Kansas City, Missouri, also marks the start of the sixth and possibly final World Cup for Lionel Messi. One of the best players of a generation turns 39 later this m
Key takeaway Messi added the one thing missing from his impressive resume with the 2022 World Cup win in Qatar.
Why this matters in The Miami
For Miami's large Argentine community, particularly in Little Havana, the World Cup is a major event, and Lionel Messi's potential last hurrah is especially significant. Many locals will be watching the match against Algeria, eager to see if Messi can lead Argentina to another title. Inter Miami fans will also be paying close attention, given Messi's recent stint with the team and his efforts to manage muscle fatigue and a hamstring strain. The city's strong Latin American and Caribbean ties make the World Cup a vibrant and lively event, with many neighborhoods likely to be filled with the sounds of cheering and chanting as the tournament progresses. As Argentina takes on Algeria, Miami's Argentine community will be on the edge of their seats, hoping to see their team make history and Messi cement his legacy.
About this story
Original reporting by WSVN 7 News . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSVN 7 News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: arts ·
Published: June 16, 2026 ·
Source: WSVN 7 News ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? (AP) — Argentina’s bid to become the first back-to-back World Cup champion in 62 years begins on Tuesday. The match against Algeria in Kansas City, Missouri, also marks the start of the sixth and possibly final World Cup for Lionel Messi. One of the best players of a generation turns 39 later this m
When was this published? This article was first published on June 16, 2026 by WSVN 7 News and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Rubén Rosario at WSVN 7 News. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more arts coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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