Lionel Messi and Argentina begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Wednesday, facing Algeria in what could be Messi's final appearance on the biggest stage of international football. The man in the middle for that Group J opener will be a familiar face to both the reigning champions and their opponents.

A referee Argentina know well

Szymon Marciniak of Poland has been appointed to officiate the match. The 45-year-old has been on the FIFA international list since 2011, and this tournament marks his third consecutive World Cup — having first refereed at Russia 2018 and then Qatar 2022.

Marciniak's history with Argentina runs deep. He oversaw their group stage draw against Iceland at Russia 2018, then returned at Qatar 2022 for their round of 16 victory over Australia in Al Rayyan. His most celebrated appointment, however, came in the 2022 final, when he presided over the contest between Argentina and France — the match that ended with Messi lifting the trophy.

A decorated European referee

Beyond the World Cup, Marciniak is a regular presence in club football's elite competition. He refereed the 2022-23 UEFA Champions League final in Istanbul, where Manchester City defeated Inter Milan. Across the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League group stage, he handed out 12 yellow cards and awarded one penalty in four matches.

In total, Marciniak has taken charge of 78 UEFA Champions League and Europa League matches, dismissing 18 players in that time.

Full officiating team in Kansas City

Fellow Polish officials Tomasz Listkiewicz and Adam Kupsik will serve as Marciniak's assistant referees. New Zealand's Campbell-Kirk Kawana-Waugh has been named as fourth official, while Tomasz Kwiatkowski of Poland will lead the VAR operation.

Algeria will be determined to derail Argentina's bid for back-to-back World Cup titles, and the stage at Arrowhead Stadium is set for a historic Group J opener that could define the early momentum of the tournament for both nations.