KANSAS CITY — The whole world is waiting to see Lionel Messi, said Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, when the defending champions begin their World Cup campaign against Algeria on Tuesday.

Messi is set to take part in a record sixth World Cup, four years after leading his country to glory in Qatar.

The 38-year-old suffered an injury scare last month when he left Inter Miami’s 6-4 win over Philadelphia with muscle fatigue.

However, he made his return in a supreme 20-minute cameo, including a goal from the penalty spot, off the bench in Argentina’s final warm-up friendly win over Iceland last week.

“Everyone wants to see him out on the pitch, not just Argentinians, because of the impact he has on people,” Scaloni told his pre-match press conference.

“He has always been crucial for us and now he will be even more so. He looks good.”

Centre-back Nicolas Otamendi has been alongside Messi for much of his international career and will take part in his fourth World Cup.