I stopped by the Nelson-Atkins Museum here in Kansas City and stood a long time before their Caravaggio — that mastery of light emerging from darkness reminded me precisely of what Messi does, conjuring brilliance from nothing. Algeria's midfield will compete — Boudaoui has real energy — but the defensive line behind him is simply too exposed against an Argentine attack that moves like water finding every crack. Emiliano Martínez will have a quiet afternoon between the posts, because Argentina's press will suffocate Algeria long before they ever threaten him.

Algeria's defensive structure looks brittle the moment Argentina apply any sustained pressure — Aïssa Mandi as the last organizer against a forward line of this caliber is simply an unfair fight, and I expect that backline to buckle repeatedly. Mac Allister and the Argentine midfield should dominate the center completely, leaving Algeria isolated and unable to build anything meaningful from their own half — that solitary attacking threat tells you everything about how this game will flow. Speaking of Kansas City, I did attempt a batch of burnt ends kolaches last week — inspired by the local BBQ-pastry fusion scene — and I am proud to say they were only a minor catastrophe. This is Argentina's match to control from the first whistle, and I see no tactical answer from Algeria to change that verdict.