Fox Sports confirm Messi at +100 anytime on FanDuel — the most compelling goalscorer market at this entire World Cup. CBS Sports confirm: "Messi finished with seven goals and three assists across seven matches in Qatar, and he has scored 117 international goals all-time for Argentina."

Sports Interaction make the case explicitly: "Messi found the net in six of Argentina's seven matches at the 2022 World Cup and sits just a few goals shy of the all-time tournament scoring record, making him a near-automatic inclusion in any anytime goal market." As Argentina's designated penalty and free-kick taker, he earns goal probability from set pieces alone. Covers note Nigeria generated 3.36 xG and 41 touches inside the penalty area against this Algeria back four at AFCON — and Bensebaini isn't even playing. At even money for a player chasing Klose's World Cup scoring record in what is almost certainly his final tournament, this is the most emotionally and structurally compelling anytime scorer prop on Tuesday's entire slate.

Covers make Lautaro their explicit pick: "Lautaro Martinez will cause problems for Algeria at the back — I'll back Messi and Martinez to lead the defending champs to a multi-goal win." Squawka back up the quality: "The Inter striker finished as Serie A's top scorer with 17 goals in 30 games this season, and his movement gives Argentina a relentless focal point up top."

CBS Sports add the form context: "Lautaro Martinez enters the competition in outstanding form following another prolific campaign with Inter Milan." Algeria arrive with key CB Ramy Bensebaini already ruled out injured. At +145 for the starting centre-forward of the world's #1 ranked team, fresh off a Serie A golden boot, facing a compromised back line, Lautaro is the standout value play on tonight's anytime board.

CBS Sports make the bold prediction: "Julián Álvarez may wind up being the biggest offensive force for Argentina at this World Cup — the Atletico Madrid star could emerge as the team's goalscoring centerpiece." Squawka confirm the quality: "Álvarez added 8 goals and 4 assists in 29 La Liga outings for Atlético Madrid."

The market anomaly is stark: Álvarez is confirmed as Argentina's first-choice sub, guaranteed 30+ meaningful minutes. Yet his +160 anytime price is barely more expensive than Lautaro's +145 starting price. CBS note that with Messi "perhaps not having quite as much speed in his legs anymore, Álvarez could emerge as the goalscoring centerpiece." Fresh legs against a tiring, injury-hit Algeria defence in the second half is exactly the scenario this bet is built for. The best-value anytime scorer play on Argentina's entire board tonight.

Squawka identify Amoura as Algeria's primary threat: "Amoura is Algeria's sharpest outlet after 8 goals and 3 assists in 26 Bundesliga appearances for Wolfsburg, and his pace on the break is Les Fennecs' best route back into the game."

The structural longshot case: Fox Sports note Argentina "started slow in the last two World Cups — losing to Saudi Arabia in 2022 and drawing Iceland in 2018." A real early counter-attack scenario — Amoura scoring in the opening 20 minutes before Argentina settle — exists and fires this price. At +500, this is the only Algeria play worth a small longshot stake on the board tonight.

🔮 Prediction: Argentina 2-0 Algeria · Messi and Lautaro both score

Top Pick: Lautaro +145 🇦🇷
Best Value · Messi +100 the headline play

All Picks · Argentina vs Algeria · 9:00 PM ET · FOX

Who is the best anytime goalscorer bet for Argentina vs Algeria?

Messi at +100 anytime is the headline — Fox Sports confirm and Sports Interaction note he "found the net in six of Argentina's seven matches at the 2022 World Cup." But Lautaro Martínez at +145 is the sharp play: Covers explicitly back him, Squawka confirm 17 Serie A goals, and Algeria's key CB Bensebaini is out injured. Julián Álvarez at +160 barely more expensive than Lautaro despite starting on the bench is the most mispriced prop on the board.

Why is Julián Álvarez +160 anytime worth backing from the bench?

CBS Sports predict: "Álvarez may wind up being the biggest offensive force for Argentina at this World Cup." He is confirmed first-choice sub, guaranteed 30+ minutes, with his anytime price of +160 barely more than Lautaro's starting price of +145. Squawka confirm "8 goals and 4 assists in 29 La Liga outings for Atlético Madrid." Fresh legs against an injury-hit Algeria defence in the second half is exactly the scenario this bet is designed for.

What are the Argentina vs Algeria FanDuel odds tonight?

Argentina are -240 favorites, Algeria at +650, draw at +360. Over/under 2.5 goals. Dimers give Argentina a 69% win probability. Algeria's key CB Bensebaini is ruled out through injury before the match even begins.

What time and where is Argentina vs Algeria tonight?

9:00 PM ET at Kansas City Stadium (GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium), Kansas City, Missouri. Airs on FOX and Telemundo. Group J alongside Austria and Jordan. Argentina are the reigning World Cup champions and the No. 1 FIFA ranked side. Algeria return to the World Cup for the first time since 2014.