World Cup Viewer's Guide: Lionel Messi seeks history with Argentina

Lionel Messi returns to World Cup for a fifth attempt at finally winning soccer’s biggest prize.

He'll also be hoping to make history with Argentina.

Argentines are among favorites to win in Qatar and victory would fill one gaping hole in his resume. But a win or a draw Tuesday against Saudi Arabia, one of weakest teams in tournament, would give Argentina a record-tying result.

Argentina arrived in Qatar on a 36-match unbeaten streak, one shy of tying Italy's record in international men’s soccer, set from 2018-21.

Argentina has not lost since falling to Brazil 2-0 in 2019 Copa América. Argentina first won World Cup in 1978, and n again in 1986 — one year before Messi was born. team reached final in 2014 and lost to Germany, and in a bitter follow-up four years later was eliminated in round of 16 in Russia.

Messi, meanwhile, is one of four players making ir fifth World Cup appearance. He joins Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo, and Mexico teammates Guillermo Ochoa and Andrés Guardo.

Saudi Arabia was eliminated in first round in 2018, opening with a 5-0 loss to host Russia. In a tough Group C that includes Mexico and Poland, Saudis will be trying to vance out of group stage for only second time, after 1994. team has won two of its last 10 matches.

DEFENDING CHAMPS

Defending champion France opens play Tuesday against Australia in a rematch from four years ago.

France won 2-1 in Russia when Paul Pogba’s shot in 81st minute deflected in off a defender for an own-goal. Pogba is not in squ following knee surgery, and France is also down anor two stars with N’Golo Kante and Karim Benzema sidelined.

France does expect defender Raphael Varane to play following a hamstring injury he picked up in October.

Kylian Mbappé is rey to le France to back-to-back titles. He was only 19 when he scored in final and helped France win World Cup four years ago. With 28 international goals, Mbappé wants to d to his count in Group D opener.

However, France arrived in Qatar with only one win in its last six games.

Australia barely me World Cup field and needed a dramatic penalty shootout win over Peru in playoffs. Socceroos have been eliminated from group stage in four of five previous appearances.

OR GAMES

Mexico faces Poland , while Denmark plays Tunisia on first of 11 consecutive days in which four games are played each day.

Poland vanced to World Cup behind striker Robert Lewandowski, who scored nine goals with four assists in qualifying. His 13 direct-goal involvements were twice as many as any teammate.

He's never scored in World Cup, though, as Poland finished last in its group in 2018. Barcelona striker is eager to find net in Qatar.

“I think about last World Cup for sure,” Lewandowski said. “To score at a World Cup would be a huge dream and I’m going to do everything for this dream. I hope in this World Cup it will happen. I am gl for everything I have achieved and se memories for World Cup, so now is time to enjoy.”

Poland last vanced out of group stage in 1986.

Mexico, meanwhile, has vanced out of group play in each of its past eight appearances, last failing to move on in 1978. national team has also won its opening match in five of its past six World Cups.

Christian Eriksen figures to play for Denmark against Tunisia, 17 months after he was revived on field during European Championship.

Manchester United midfielder’s presence will be inspirational for Denmark, which sailed through its World Cup qualifying group by winning its first nine games — with clean sheets through first eight.

Tunisia has been strong at keeping games tight but its World Cup record isn't great: Tunisia has lost 60% of its World Cup games (nine out of 15), trailing only Saudi Arabia and Australia.

OUTSIDE CHAOS

first few days of World Cup have been been marred by logistical snags, latest on Monday when fans complained ir tickets to England-Iran match h vanished from ir mobile FIFA application.

Long lines grew outside Khalifa International Stium about an hour before kickoff with fans furious y might not get inside.

night before, official fan zone quickly became overcrowded during opening match between host nation Qatar and Ecuor. Tens of thousands of fans pushed and shoved against police lines to enter venue, one of few places where fans could purchase beer and watch game.

DAVIES UPDATE

Cana coach John Herdman is expected to give a medical update on Tuesday regarding Alphonso Davies, who arrived in Qatar last week after receiving treatment on a hamstring strain he picked up this month while playing for Bayern Munich.

Bayern has said Davies’ participation in Qatar was “not at risk,” but he has not played since Nov. 5 injury.

“My mission is to make sure he plays at this World Cup, it’s a childhood dream for him,” Herdman said. “And not to put him in a position where he’s unsafe.”