The match will feature a special confrontation between the captains of the two teams, Riyad Mahrez and Lionel Messi, after each of them left a great mark with his country in recent years.
Messi played 199 matches with the Argentine national team in various competitions, during which he contributed to 181 goals, both scoring and assisting. The Inter Miami star scored 117 goals, the last of which was in the friendly match against Iceland, and also provided 64 assists.
Messi won five titles with his country’s national team, namely the 2022 World Cup, the 2022 “Finalisima”, and the Copa America in 2021 and 2024, in addition to the 2008 Olympic Games gold medal.
Messi’s market value currently stands at 15 million euros, after reaching 180 million euros in 2018.
On the other hand, Riyad Mahrez contributed 82 goals with the Algerian national team during 115 matches, between scoring and assisting. The Saudi Al-Ahly star scored 38 goals, the last of which was in the friendly match against Guatemala, and he also made 44 goals, the last of which was against Somalia in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Mahrez led the Algerian national team to win the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, which was held in Egypt.
The market value of the “Desert Warriors” leader fell to 5 million euros, after it was 60 million euros in 2018.
Between Messi’s heavy numbers and Mahrez’s long experience, the confrontation between Algeria and Argentina is expected to be more than just the opening of the journey, but rather an early test for two leaders who know well the meaning of making a difference. (Al Ain)
