La Albiceleste proved that four years ago.
But that also doesn't mean the reigning champions want to begin like they did in Qatar, when they were stunned by Saudi Arabia in their group-stage opener. Argentina rebounded to beat Poland, Mexico, Australia, the Netherlands, Croatia and ultimately France to win their third world title.
"We've had the experience of the last World Cup," Scaloni said on the day before Argentina open the 2026 edition against Algeria, "so this first match is not critical. I mean, it's important, but it doesn't end in the first match."
Only twice has a country defended their World Cup title: Italy in 1938 and Brazil in 1962.
"We're happy," Scaloni added through an interpreter.
"We are assured and confident. We're here and we are at a very good moment."
Scaloni said he would finalise his line-up after their final training session, but sounded optimistic about the health of his squad despite a host of concerns.
Lionel Messi has been dealing with a mild hamstring strain, with Nico Paz (knee), Julian Alvarez (ankle), goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez (finger) and Nicolas Tagliafico (leg) also not 100 per cent.
"You know, the players on the national team are all top-notch players, and some of them have injuries or not. This time around ... only Nico, he's the only one. Nobody else has a serious injury," Scaloni said.
Messi, the 38-year-old preparing for his sixth World Cup, has not spoken to the media since his arrival at Argentina's base camp in Kansas City two weeks ago.
"Not only the Argentinian population but everybody — the whole planet — wants to see him play," Scaloni said of the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, who has looked fit and relaxed.
"Everybody wants to see him on the pitch because he has an effect not only on Argentinian fans but supporters all over the world."
Argentina are aware of Spain's stunning draw with Cape Verde.
In the opening match of Monday's (Tuesday AEST) slate, the heavily-favoured 2010 world champions played out a scoreless draw with the tiny African nation in what could be one of the biggest surprises of the World Cup. The match ended as Scaloni and Argentina defender Nicolas Otamendi were on their way to Arrowhead Stadium for their pre-match news conference, but they certainly were aware of the result.
"There's no easy rival," Scaloni added.
"Everybody deserves to be in this World Cup and we are concerned about Algeria. They have high-quality players. We know it's going to be a good test. It's not going to be the definitive test but it's going to be a good test."
17°C