Argentina have launched their defence of the World Cup trophy in style with two wins from two and all five of their goals coming from Lionel Messi.
Argentina, who are looking to become the first country to retain the World Cup since Brazil in 1962, got off to the perfect start to the 2026 edition as Messi equalled Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup goalscoring record of 16 goals in what was his 200th appearance for La Albiceleste. A hat-trick secured a 3-0 win over Algeria for the reigning champions.
As if that wasn’t enough, on his 39th birthday the legendary forward pulled clear of Klose with two further goals in a 2-0 win over Austria, undeterred by an early penalty miss
The spine of that victorious squad from the 2022 World Cup remains in place alongside head coach Lionel Scaloni. Tougher tests are to come, with Austria up next, but the Algeria win was certainly an early statement of intent from the holders.
Read more: FIFA World Cup Draw: Find out who will play who in 2026
Argentina odds to win the World Cup
At the time of writing, Argentina are the fourth favourites to lift the World Cup trophy in 2026, ahead of their CONMEBOL rivals Brazil, but behind France, Spain and England.
It’s evident from these odds of 13/2 that the bookmakers consider Argentina one of the key players at the tournament and as such, it would be considered a major shock if they don’t reach the latter stages.
It’s worth noting that the price has come in considerably since pre-tournament and even from the first game to the second.
Messi, who has scored all five of their goals at the tournament so far, will no doubt need to conjure up more moments of magic if the South Americans are to repeat the feat of 2022, and current signs are that he will do just that.
Argentina odds to win Group J
Argentina have already been all-but confirmed as victors in Group J. They have secured six points from their first two games and the only way they can be knocked off top spot is if Jordan win both of their remaining matches.
Argentina World Cup Top Goalscorer Odds
You won’t be surprised to hear that Lionel Messi is considered to be Argentina’s most likely candidate to lift the Golden Boot at this summer’s World Cup and indeed he’s now 2/1 to lift that individual gong after five goals in his first two games.
He has played one more game than the likes of Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane at this stage – all of whom are on two goals after their own opening matches.
You can find full World Cup Top Goalscorer odds here
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