On June 5, 2007, Argentina and Algeria met in a friendly at Barcelona’s historic Camp Nou stadium. Under coach Alfio Basile, Argentina was then preparing for the Copa America.
On the field that day, alongside experienced and star players, was a young Lionel Messi, who was then gradually drawing attention in international football with his magical dribbling and talent. Standing beside experienced players such as Roberto Ayala, Juan Sebastian Veron and Juan Roman Riquelme, Messi repeatedly pressured Algeria’s defense that day and had a big impact on the match with his attacking football.
That match was a goal-filled, dramatic contest. Argentina started attacking from the outset and, after just a minute and a half, Carlos Tevez put the side ahead from a penalty. But Algeria quickly came back into the match, with Antar Yahia equalizing in the ninth minute. Then, late in the first half, Madjid Bougherra scored to put Algeria ahead 2-1, a big blow for Argentina.
In the second half, Argentina turned the match around. Inspired by Lionel Messi, the side staged a fine comeback. Within just a few minutes, the course of the match changed completely.
Messi first equalized from a penalty, after which Esteban Cambiasso quickly scored another to put Argentina ahead again. Later, in the 73rd minute, Messi scored his second goal to all but secure the win. Although Algeria pulled one back in the closing moments, Argentina left the field with a thrilling 4-3 victory.
Nearly 19 years later, the prospect of Argentina and Algeria meeting again on a big stage has emerged. This time it is no friendly, but a meeting at a tournament as important as the World Cup. Interest has built around this clash at the 2026 World Cup, as the two sides take the field against the same opponent again after a long time.
In this new context, Argentina will take the field aiming to defend their title. The side is still regarded as a strong unit blending experience and youth. Algeria, known as the Desert Foxes, can spring surprises against big teams with their fast-paced football, strong counter-attacks and attacking mentality. As a result, another tense and competitive contest is expected between the two sides.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report