The World Cup’s opening days are already crackling with storylines, but none loom larger than the return of Lionel Messi’s Argentina and Kylian Mbappe’s France, the protagonists of the last tournament’s unforgettable final.

Argentina, defending champions after that 3-3 epic settled on penalties in Doha, begin their title defence against Algeria in Kansas City. All eyes are on Messi, poised to appear in a record sixth World Cup, a feat that underlines both his longevity and his enduring influence on the global game.

Coach Lionel Scaloni has moved to calm fears over Messi’s fitness after a hamstring scare with Inter Miami. The captain eased concerns by coming off the bench and scoring in a recent warm-up against Iceland, convincing the technical staff he is ready to lead again.

“Everyone wants to see him out on the pitch, not just Argentines,” Scaloni said, emphasising Messi’s unique pull on neutral fans and opponents alike. Veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi described his captain as “a competitive animal” who demands relentless standards from those around him.

Across the continent, France open their campaign against Senegal in New Jersey, a fixture loaded with historical resonance. The French are determined to avoid a repeat of their infamous 2002 collapse, when a shock defeat to Senegal triggered a group-stage exit for the then-holders.

Didier Deschamps arrives with a squad bristling with attacking talent. Mbappe is flanked by Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele and electric winger Michael Olise, giving France one of the most feared forward lines in the tournament. Yet Deschamps has warned that the psychological weight of an opener can unsettle even seasoned stars, stressing the need to manage nerves as much as tactics.

France’s recent World Cup record is formidable: four finals in seven editions, two titles and two agonising defeats on penalties. That pedigree, combined with Argentina’s status as reigning champions, has many observers predicting another deep run for both giants.

Elsewhere, the tournament welcomes a new box-office attraction in Erling Haaland. The Norwegian striker, fresh from another prolific club season and boasting a staggering international scoring rate, finally makes his World Cup debut against Iraq. Norway’s return to the finals after a long absence has been framed around Haaland’s ability to drag his nation into the sport’s elite conversation.

As the group stage gathers pace, the spotlight may be shared, but the narrative is clear: the road to the trophy still runs through Argentina and France, with Messi and Mbappe again cast as central characters in football’s grandest drama.