Argentina take on World Cup debutants Cape Verde today in the last 32, with Lionel Messi looking to extend his lead as the tournament's top scorer. The holders have already secured top spot in Group J after comfortable wins over Algeria and Austria.
Head coach Lionel Scaloni rotated his squad for the 3-1 victory over Jordan, resting captain Messi and bringing in Julian Alvarez up front. There were also changes out wide, with Rodrigo De Paul and Thiago Almada replaced by Giovani Lo Celso and Giuliano Simeone. Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister were given a rest, with Nico Paz and Leandro Paredes coming into the side. Midfielder Exequiel Palacios was deployed out of position at right-back, while Nicolas Otamendi and Marcos Senesi started in central defence. Nicolas Tagliafico got a run-out at left-back in place of Facundo Medina.
Scaloni Expected to Revert to Strongest XI
Despite Argentina's status as overwhelming favourites, Scaloni is expected to revert to his preferred starting lineup for this match. Emiliano Martinez will continue in goal, with Nahuel Molina likely to return at right-back. Medina will be restored on the left, while Premier League duo Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez are set to start at centre-back.
There had been concerns over Tottenham captain Romero, who was taken off against Austria after suffering a knee injury and was not considered for the Jordan match. However, he has been pictured back in training and should return here.
Midfield and Attack
Mac Allister and Fernandez will join forces once more in midfield, with De Paul and Almada remaining Scaloni's go-to pairing out wide. Nico Gonzalez and Simeone are options off the bench if Scaloni decides to shake things up.
Up front, Messi is a certainty to start. Lautaro Martinez has been preferred to Alvarez this tournament and is likely to partner the captain after scoring against Jordan. Messi is currently the leading goalscorer in World Cup finals history.
Predicted Argentina XI (4-4-2): Emiliano Martinez; Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Medina; De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernandez, Almada; Messi, Lautaro Martinez
Time and date: 11pm BST on Friday July 3, 2026
Venue: Miami Stadium
How to watch: ITV
