World Cup Player Props Picks: Today’s Best Value Plays (6/16)

BettingThePitch

Written by: BettingThePitch

Published: Tue Jun 16, 2026, 8:00 am ET

Read Time: 5 minutes

How far can Lionel Messi lead Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup? Do they have a shot at defending their title? Groups I and J Picks

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Day Six of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is here!

Today, we finally get to see some of the tournament favorites take the pitch. The opening days have delivered a few surprising results and several low-scoring matches. However, with players like Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and Lionel Messi in action, we could be in for a much more entertaining slate. Let's dive into the player props that stand out today.

Featured Plays

  • Sadio Mané 1+ Shot on Target (-110)
  • Julian Ryerson Anytime Assist (+220)
  • Lionel Messi Anytime Goalscorer (-105)

Sadio Mané 1+ Shot on Target

After missing the 2022 World Cup, Mané is back and ready to lead Senegal on the biggest stage.

This is a difficult opening matchup for Senegal. They face one of the favorites to lift the World Cup trophy in France.

That said, Senegal are more than capable of making life difficult for any opponent. If they hope to earn a result, Mané will need to play a major role.

Mané averaged 2.23 shots and 1.39 shots on target per 90 minutes during the Africa Cup of Nations. In the previous tournament, those numbers increased to 4.68 shots and 1.67 shots on target per 90.

Over the last two years, he has averaged just over 1.5 shots on target per match for Senegal. Those are strong numbers for a line set at only one shot on target.

Mané also missed the 2022 World Cup through injury. That experience should provide extra motivation heading into this tournament. Expect Senegal's captain to be heavily involved from the opening whistle.

Play: Sadio Mané 1+ Shot on Target (-110)

Julian Ryerson Anytime Assist

The 28-year-old enters his World Cup debut in red-hot form. If he can carry that momentum into the tournament, he will be one of the players to watch.

Norway are back at the World Cup and bring one of the more talented squads in the field. One player who stands out is Borussia Dortmund right back Julian Ryerson.

Ryerson recorded 15 assists in 31 appearances this season, including 26 starts. He enters the World Cup in excellent form.

He's registered two assists against Sweden in a pre-tournament friendly and also assisted in three of his final four domestic matches.

Ryerson created 56 chances in the Bundesliga this season. He averaged 2.2 chances created per match and produced 22 big chances. Both marks led Borussia Dortmund.

During World Cup qualifying, he started eight matches and recorded four assists. Those numbers highlight his ability to create from wide areas.

He also benefits from having elite targets in the box. Erling Haaland and Alexander Sørloth are among the best aerial threats in international football.

I expect Norway to score multiple goals in this matchup. If they do, Ryerson has a strong chance of being involved.

Play: Julian Ryerson Anytime Assist (+220)

Lionel Messi Anytime Goalscorer

How far can Lionel Messi lead Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup? Do they have a shot at defending their title? Groups I and J Picks

How far can Lionel Messi lead Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup? Do they have a shot at defending their title?

This play may seem obvious, but it's rare to find Messi near even money to score.

The opposition is tougher than what he faces most weeks. The stage is also much bigger. Still, this is Messi and this is Argentina at the World Cup.

I believe Argentina may be slightly undervalued entering the tournament. That could create opportunities in some early markets.

Messi has already scored 12 goals in 14 matches for Inter Miami this MLS season. He has also found the net 10 times in 15 appearances for Argentina during 2026.

He should enter this match with fresh legs. Over the last three weeks, he has played only 20 minutes.

In Argentina's final friendly against Iceland, Messi entered in the 70th minute and scored two minutes later. While the goal came from the penalty spot, it was still an encouraging sign before the tournament.

Algeria are a physical side and could create situations that favor Argentina. A penalty or red card would only improve Messi's scoring chances.

The bookmakers project Argentina to score around two goals in this match. If that happens, I like the chances of one coming from the greatest player of all time.

Play: Lionel Messi Anytime Goalscorer (-105)

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BettingThePitch
BettingThePitch

Just a guy who loves sports, soccer and beating the books!

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