Algerian Player Ibrahim Maza Claims Algeria Will Beat Messi at 2026 World Cup
Algerian attacking midfielder Ibrahim Maza, 20, arrived in the United States for the 2026 World Cup and confidently declared that Algeria will defeat Lionel Messi and defending champions Argentina in their Group J opener on June 16-17 in Kansas City. Maza’s remarks, widely covered by Argentine media, have stirred debate. Algeria also faces Jordan and Austria in the group, with a warm-up match against Bolivia. Maza, a Bayer Leverkusen player who chose Algeria over Germany, is emerging as a key figure under coach Vladimir Petkovic.
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Algeria: The 5 Fennecs Who Pose a Problem for Argentina
Argentina will face Algeria in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup, scheduled for Tuesday night into Wednesday in Kansas City. Argentina's coach Lionel Scaloni has expressed caution, comparing Algeria's style to Morocco and warning against overconfidence. Argentine media outlet TyC Sports identifies five Algerian players as particularly dangerous: captain Riyad Mahrez, despite being 35 and past his peak; Amine Gouiri, a key attacker who returned from injury; Mohamed Amoura, a short but effective striker at Wolfsburg; and Ibrahim Maza, an emerging talent. The match is part of Group J, which also includes Jordan and Austria. Argentina, the defending champions, start as favorites but are wary of Algeria's counterattacking speed and power.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertAlgeria's Ibrahim Maza Comments on Lionel Messi Spark Reactions in Argentina
Algerian attacking midfielder Ibrahim Maza, 20, who plays for Bayer Leverkusen, made headlines upon arriving in the United States for the 2026 World Cup. In a press interaction, Maza confidently stated, 'we are going to beat Messi, insh'Allah,' ahead of Algeria's Group J match against reigning world champion Argentina, scheduled for the night of June 16-17. The comment was widely picked up by major Argentine media outlets including TyC Sports, Olé, and La Nación, which highlighted the contrast between the young player's ambition and Argentina's status as defending champions. The remarks have ignited debate in Argentina, a country highly sensitive to matters involving Lionel Messi and the national team.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertAlgeria's Ibrahim Maza: 'If God Protects Us, We Will Beat Messi'
Algerian attacking midfielder Ibrahim Maza, 20, arrived in the United States to prepare for the 2026 World Cup and immediately made headlines by expressing confidence ahead of Algeria's opening match against Argentina. Speaking to media in Kansas City, Maza said Argentina may act provocatively but Algeria must stay calm and play smart, adding with a smile: 'If God protects us, we will definitely beat Messi.' His remarks were widely reported by Argentine outlets TyC, Ole, and El Nacional. Maza, born in Berlin to Vietnamese descent, previously played for German youth teams before choosing Algeria. He debuted for Algeria in October 2024 and became a key player under coach Vladimir Petkovic. Algeria is in Group J with Argentina, Jordan, and Austria, and will play a warm-up match against Bolivia before the tournament.
虎扑 - 足球Algerian Ibrahim Maza's 'We Will Beat Messi' Comment Stirs Argentine Media Ahead of 2026 World Cup
Algerian attacking midfielder Ibrahim Maza, 20, arrived in the United States for the 2026 World Cup and immediately made headlines by declaring his ambition to defeat Lionel Messi's Argentina in their opening Group J match on June 16-17. Maza, who plays for Bayer Leverkusen and chose to represent Algeria over Germany, said 'We will beat Messi, Inch'Allah' during a media appearance at the team's base camp in Kansas City. The comment was widely reported by major Argentine outlets including Tyc Sports, Olé, and La Nacion. Maza has become a key player for Algeria since debuting in October 2024, notably during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Algeria's group also includes Jordan and Austria, with a final preparatory match against Bolivia scheduled before the tournament.
Home Football - actualitésAlgerian Player Ibrahim Maza Claims He Can Beat Messi at 2026 World Cup
Algeria is set to begin its 2026 World Cup campaign with a high-profile match against defending champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi. Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Ibrahim Maza has expressed confidence that his team can defeat the Albicelestes. In comments relayed by DZ Foot, Maza emphasized the importance of staying calm and observing Argentina carefully, while boldly stating, 'We will beat Messi, Inch’Allah.' The match is scheduled for June 17, and will be a major test for the Fennecs against the reigning world champions.
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