Messi's Argentina clubbed with Algeria, Austria, Jordan at WC

A little less than three years after he lifted the golden statuette at Doha’s Lusail Stadium draped in a black bisht, a traditional Arab cloak, Lionel Messi's Argentina were placed in Group J with Austria, Algeria and debutants Jordan as they attempt to be the first team since Brazil in 1962 to retain the World Cup.

- Dhiman Sarkar

Messi, who also won the 2021 and 2024 Copa America, will be 39 during the tournament now expanded to 48 teams. Cristiano Ronaldo will be 41 years and four months by the time the World Cup starts, 188 days from Friday on June 11 in Mexico. Ronaldo's Portugal, winners of Euro 2016 and the Nations League in 2019 and 2025, are in group K.

In their 23rd finals appearance, five-time champions Brazil, under a full-time foreign coach in Carlo Ancelotti for the first time in 100 years, were drawn in Group C and will open vs 2022 semifinalists Morocco. Also in the group are Sotland against whom Brazil opened their 1998 finals campaign. This is the first time this century that Scotland are in the finals.