The only countries to pull that were Italy way back in the 1930s, and Brazil in the late ‘50s and early ‘60s. So, therefore, Argentina has a mountain to climb—even with Messi guiding the way.

Coach Lionel Scaloni has retained the core of the squad that lifted the trophy in Qatar, with Messi, now 38, expected to return as captain in what would be his record sixth World Cup appearance.

Argentina cruised through the South American qualifiers, losing only four of their 18 matches and finishing top of the standings, nine points ahead of second-placed Ecuador.

That record is expected to be enough for them to progress comfortably from Group J, which also includes Algeria, Austria and Jordan.

However, the real test is likely to come in the later stages when Argentina face Europe's elite teams.

Scaloni's men begin their campaign against Algeria in Kansas City on June 16, having not faced a major European side since defeating France in the 2022 final.

Mahrez leads Algeria

Argentina's biggest challenge in Group J may come from Algeria, who return to the World Cup for the first time since the 2014 finals in Brazil, where they reached the Round of 16 before being eliminated by Belgium.

On Wednesday, Algeria recorded a surprise 1-0 friendly victory over the Netherlands national football team in Rotterdam as part of their World Cup preparations.

The Algerians progressed through the African qualifiers with ease, finishing top of their group and seven points clear of Uganda.

The team will be led by veteran captain Riyad Mahrez, formerly of Manchester City and currently with Al-Ahli Saudi FC. Meanwhile, speedy and skilful Mohamed Amine Amoura of VfL Wolfsburg is expected to provide the team's main attacking threat.

The group stage also offers Algeria the chance to settle an old score with Austria, 44 years after the two sides met at the 1982 World Cup in Spain.

Algeria had defeated West Germany and Chile in that tournament but were eliminated after West Germany beat Austria 1-0 in a result that benefited both European teams and sent them through to the second round.

The match became known as the "Disgrace of Gijón", prompting FIFA to schedule all final group-stage matches simultaneously in future tournaments.

Austria return after long absence

Austria, coached by experienced German manager Ralf Rangnick and led by David Alaba of Real Madrid, return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998 after qualifying directly ahead of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Jordan's historic first appearance

Jordan complete the group and will make their first-ever World Cup appearance after finishing second behind South Korea in the Asian qualifiers.

Coached by Moroccan manager Jamal Sellami, Jordan will rely heavily on winger Mousa Al-Tamari, who plays for Stade Rennais FC. However, the team will be without fellow forward Yazan Al-Naimat, who suffered a serious knee injury during the Arab Cup in Doha.